While life can be filled with many changes, it is counterproductive to constantly dwell on the negative side. When the body and mind are exhausted, you become less productive.

The emotions you are seeing and experiencing can begin to wear on your entire being. According to the National Science Foundation, “Around 80% of our thoughts are negative in nature. With twelve thousand to fifty thousand thoughts daily running through our minds, the negative tends to heavily outweigh the positive mind set.”

Let us look at the best ways to start being positive in your life again:

Critical Mistake #1 – Not Being True To Your Beliefs

As the mind and body must constantly adapt to societal demands, we sometimes lose ourselves in the process. As humans, we want the acceptance of others and their approval. However, when we consider other people’s words and actions, we find ourselves in a whirlwind of emotions because we do not stay true to our personal beliefs.

If you believe in being early to work each day but find your co-workers do not share that practice and often chide you for being the early bird, let them know why you stick to your schedule. Explain how it helps your day run more smoothly and gives you extra time for yourself before being productive. Then, you might change their minds.

Staying true to our personal beliefs can only be done when we have clarified what we value and the virtues we want to use as a guiding system for our family, relationships, and all parts of life. Defining the virtues and the behaviors that demonstrate those virtues with ourselves and the family while living them consistently – sticking with our beliefs – helps us feel positive in life.

Critical Mistake #2 – Wasting Your Time On Non-Productive Tasks

With modern technology, we find ourselves consistently checking our phones or computers. We use online games and television shows to forget about reality. However, over a short time, we find ourselves less active and more emotional.

Instead of reaching for the remote, go for a book. Immerse yourself in the story and let your body and mind have the needed time to rest. If you want something more physically challenging, take up gardening or join a tennis team at your local gym.

Critical Mistake #3 – Not Being Thankful

With so many things to do and think about, we often forget to be thankful—to ourselves or others. By not acknowledging those around us for their kind behavior, we are presenting a non-trustworthy aura. This not only limits our connections but also creates a negative thought process.

Next time you are in the store, and an employee goes out of their way for you by providing extra help, tell them how much you appreciate their time. Please do not make assumptions about who a person is by their job but by their personality. Leave yourself feeling good about your own personality.

Critical Mistake #4 – Holding Onto Resentment

It is almost inevitable that sometime during your adult life, people will treat you poorly. While we cannot return to that moment, we often carry a grudge for a lifetime. This disrupts our inner peace and makes us question our own convictions.

The first person you should forgive is yourself. Accept what happened and praise yourself for finding the strength to move on from this person’s words or actions. If you can forgive their behavior, do not forget about it. Each milestone will make you more aware of others and your thoughts and actions. Be accountable only to yourself.

Critical Mistake #5 – Functioning On Bad Habits

When life is more stressful, we find ourselves indulging in poor habits to accommodate our moods, from drinking alcohol to sleeping too much. Unfortunately, with each of these negative deflections, we create a pattern of destruction. So instead, focus on healthy habits for a sharp mind and healthy body.

Instead of reaching for the wine bottle, go for the water bottle and head outside. Use this time to exercise and clear your head. If the weather is not cooperating, pick a multi-step chore, like deep cleaning the garage. Remain focused on the task and less on the negative feelings.

Critical Mistake #6 – Neglecting Your Physical Health

When our internal emotions are taxed, our bodies are the first to break down. With poor diets and less self-care, the only one that pays the price is you. We are meant to consistently run on something other than potato chips and French fries. So spend some time rethinking your nutrition intake and finding new recipes that will fit better with your lifestyle.

Make a pact with yourself that you will try a healthy eating alternative once a week. For example, try a crisp, cold salad instead of having soup with your steak. When it comes to liquids, make it a challenge. If you want to drink a glass of water five times a day, keep track on an app or on a piece of paper. If the goals are met, reward yourself with a self-care treat like a new outfit.

Critical Mistake #7 – Reacting Instead Of Idling Your Thoughts

While every day cannot be sunshine and rainbows, we often react to others out of emotion instead of forethought. This not only leads to animosity but usually leaves us feeling embarrassed.

Instead of voicing your opinion before thinking it through, give yourself a few minutes to sort through the moment. Are the words you are about to express pessimistic in nature, or are your words filled with assurance? While it is okay to not agree with all beliefs, it is not okay to react unfavorably.

Critical Mistake #8 – Never Taking Chances

For some people, functioning in society brings more anxiety and less mental growth. When faced with changes, the reaction is to become more reclusive. This limits the possibility of achieving more and restricts our need for companionship.

If you have always wanted to take up painting but do not feel good enough to try, then the only one stopping you is yourself. The goal may be to give art pieces to the family for the holidays; while the desire is there, the action is stalling. So instead, start practicing on a piece of paper. The more you engage in this healthy habit, the more you desire to complete the objective.

Critical Mistake #9 – Making Material Items Top Priority

While it can be exhilarating to purchase a new car or vacation in the tropics every winter, the reality is that those moments are short-lived. So often, our time is spent planning and engaging in the activity while others around us become less stimulated. So instead, try including them in your plans.

Seeking other opinions lets you double-check your emotions and less about the newness. This also makes those around you feel included in your decisions and often gives you a sense of pride. Include others in your life and in planning experiences, and find joy in your relationships.

Critical Mistake #10 – Not Putting In The Effort

Daily, the mind is consistently making decisions. Though you may have the conviction to act upon those feelings, putting in the effort is the final piece. Apply these rules regarding work, family, and free time.

At the end of the day, you will feel more accomplished and eager to keep going. If the boss once again has asked you to stay late and complete a project, do so without malice. Though this may take away from your personal time, the accomplishment will reap mental and emotional rewards.

In Closing

By choosing healthier and more regular practices in life, your world will function more smoothly. On days requiring more attention, your calm demeanor and well-educated responses will guide you to a more grounded life. As American author Andy Andrews once said, “Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to the fullest- well, that is a choice.”