How to Change Your Life by Changing the Way You Think

Your attitude is the single most important factor in determining your success, your relationships, and happiness—nearly everything about your life!

The good news is that you get to choose your own attitude! Regardless of your current circumstances or your past failures, you can choose to have a positive outlook, and that will impact your present and future.

Here are some practical first steps toward moving yourself from the negative column to a positive outlook.

  1. Recognize Negative Thinking

This can be difficult to do because negative thinking can become the “hardwiring” in your brain. Without realizing it, you may filter everything you see and hear through this grid of negativity. To help you recognize that, find someone you trust—and who will tell you the truth—to assess your attitude. You may need to give this person permission to be completely candid with you, because they may fear offending or upsetting you.

  1. Resolve to Take Action

Negative thinking can feel like a warm blanket—safe and familiar. It is somehow comforting to believe that your life isn’t changing because “it can’t” or because “that’s just the way it is.” Those negative thoughts can be all the excuse needed to remain passive.

That’s why making the resolve to change is a necessary first step toward improving your outlook. Do you want to have a positive attitude? Resolve to do whatever it takes to make that change.

  1. Practice Replacement

When you discover yourself defaulting to negative thinking, immediately replace the negative thought with a positive one. Here are some examples.

  • It’ll probably rain. —– It might not rain.
  • Nobody ever wins those things. —– Somebody has to win, why not me?
  • She’ll probably say no. —– She might say yes!
  • I don’t think I can. —– I’ll give it a try.

Does that sound simplistic? Let me assure you that it is not. Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, even in small ways, is a solid first step to transforming your outlook on life. Try it and see.

  1. Establish Accountability

Positive change often requires a network of supporters. If you hope to harness the power of a positive attitude in your life, you will need a support team. Begin by asking the people closest to you to keep you accountable for changing your attitude. Simply tell them, “I’m trying to change the way I look at life, and I really want to eliminate negative thinking. Please let me know whenever you see or hear a negative attitude from me. I’d really appreciate it.”

Who is in control of your outlook? You are! Take these steps today and you’ll feel better and live better! Don’t forget, a positive mental attitude without a positive faith will result in positive failure!

What helps you keep a positive focus? I’d love to hear your answer on Facebook or Twitter!

StanAToler