START WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Of course, there are plenty of successful people out there who don't have positive mindsets. So why should any of us bother to cultivate one? The answer is quite simple...

"HAPPINESS IS A STATE OF MIND..."

SO SAYS WALT DISNEY

And quite frankly, having a more positive mindset makes us happier. It changes our perception of the world, lightens our mental burden, and fosters effective coping strategies for those times when life knocks us down.

And did you know that we can actually rewire our minds to think more positively? But as with all good things, it takes practice, time, and a helluva lot of patience.

If you already have positive thinking in the bag, then this post isn't for you. However, if you're someone drowning in negativity and wants to switch things up? Might I suggest starting with these three simple steps?

1.) LOOK FOR THE GOOD AND TRY TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT

It might surprise you how even the most negative person will respond positively to authentic praise. I recommend trying it some time to see how it pans out for you. However, stating something good and then following it with unsolicited criticism negates the whole process. As Dr. Phil has often stated,

It takes 1,000 ‘atta boys’ to erase one ‘you’re an idiot.’

So how does one handle situations where you're asked your opinion on something you’re not feeling too positive about? Well, you can try to deflect it. For example, 'Tell me what you like about it' or 'What's really important here is that you like it.' Deflection can also provide you with some insight into how the other person feels about something. So when deflection isn't enough, try to reflect it, ‘'I like the color but I'm not sure about the style.’

If you aren't asked for feedback and you give it anyway. And it isn’t constructive. Might I gently suggest it's better to say nothing at all.

Keep all uninvited criticism to yourself because it won't endear you to anybody. As the proverb goes,

You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

And kindness is such an attractive quality in a person and appreciated by most. Naturally, we remember those who are/were ass hats in our lives BUT we also fondly remember those who treat or treated us with kindness.

It's up to us to choose which we want to be.

When I was a child, my mother dated a man who had a number of adult children. One of them was always kind to me. Unfortunately, he took his own life years later, but I continue to think of him today because that little girl is still grateful.

2.) ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Being a cup half-full rather than a cup half-empty kind of person naturally will follow once you start to look for the good and acknowledge it. As soon as your mindset starts to change, so will the way you perceive most situations, which leads to...

3.) PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Think of things you’re grateful for and thank the universe daily. At first, this can be a challenge when you're prone to being negative, but remember gratitude comes in all sizes. From the little things, such as puppy kisses first thing in the morning. To the big things, such as achieving a long worked-for dream. And all things in between.

If you'd like to hear how an individual with a positive mindset reframes a negative outcome, then click on this episode below of "Gettin' Better with Ron Funches." Ron Funches is a rising American comedian with a joyful perceptive on life. I listen to his podcasts regularly, especially when I'm feeling low or uninspired.

As Ron says, "Enjoy it!"