The Power of Positivity

Last weekend, I gave a presentation at a leadership retreat on the power of positivity and it's role in well being. This topic is near and dear to my heart because it is something I live by every day…

On a daily basis I hear at least one of these two following remarks:

"Lindsey, I never ever see you without a smile."
"How are you always so happy all the time? "

It is not easy to respond to this because they are assuming I am happy 24/7 which is impossible. No single person can be happy all the time, everyone goes through their ups and downs. However, my best response is the fact that I have found that projecting outwardly happiness and positivity as often as I can. Even if it is not reflected on the inside, this is something that helps make my life better and brighter. It gets me through those off days when nothing is going right, or when I am stressed about the thousands of things that need to be taken care of when there is not enough time to do so.

In order to keep a bright and happy life, a smile and some positivity is key. During my presentation, I talked about 10 simple steps that can help you achieve better mental well being and living a healthier and happier life. 

10.  Expect good things to happen.

           

If you always expect something bad to happen to you, chances are they will because you let it happen. If you are nervous about a test and expecting to fail, guess what? You will not do so well because you made up your mind to do so. There was one day I was running late to work so naturally, I had a bit of a heavier foot on the gas pedal than normal and while I was on my way, I began thinking how awful it would be if I got a ticket for it. Fortunate enough, I did not get pulled over but once I returned to my parked car, a tauntingly innocent white parking violation envelope with the sticker price of $60 was ironically placed on my car window. I am not saying that if you always think you will never get a ticket, you won't get one but expect good things to happen for yourself. Expect to do something great. Strive for something. Reach your goals. Expect them to happen and you will. It is as simple as that. 

"If you think you can or you can't, you are right."

9. Maintain a Positive Mindset.

“People are just as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

            -Abraham Lincoln

            This is difficult to achieve, but disregard as much negativity as possible. It is perfectly okay to allow criticism into your life because without it, you would not better yourself. However, do not tear yourself down if something bad happens or you make a wrong decision. For once, take a deep breathe and focus on what you are doing right. Be proud of yourself, look at how much you have overcome. Think positively of others in addition to thinking positively of yourself. When someone does not treat you with the same respect you do, as hard as it is, put yourself in their shoes. Look at what they may be going through. Try to look at everyone in the best light possible and just learn to let things go and you will be happier, trust me.

8. Believe in yourself and your abilities.

            Have confidence in who you are and all that you can do. Don't bring yourself down. You are an amazing person who is on this earth for a reason. One minor struggle or setback does not mean you are weak or incapable of achieving anything you set your mind to. The more you believe in yourself the more confidence and happiness you will have. 

7. Surround yourself with people who make you a better and brighter person.

             Plain and simple. Be around people you love, who love you and want nothing more than to support you, see you succeed and be happy. Positivity and happiness is contagious surround yourself with it.

6.  Find your passions. and do them as often as possible.

You have one life so make sure you are living it by doing the things that you love and enjoy because it is a waste of your precious time if you don't.

5. Service for others.

            Do something for someone else, whether it is writing a small thoughtful note, buying someone's Starbucks behind you, a random act of kindness or volunteering for an organization. Just make someone else happy and you will be happy. 

4.   Be happy for others.

            Genuine joy and excitement for others, lifting people up, giving words of  encouragement and affirmation to others make you feel great will make you happy. I always find myself in a lifted better mood after I share in someone's excitement about a new job or an "A" they received on a paper after all their hard work, so I know you would too. 

3.   Enjoy and savor the little moments that bring you joy.

2. “Find the Light” in every situation.

Embrace every experience you go through regardless of how negative it may be. You gained valuable knowledge and strength from the situation. 

1. Wake up every day with a grateful heart.”

            This is the most important step of all… Constantly show your gratitude and appreciation as often as possible. Be thankful for what you have, who is in your life and for your time here because it is limited.





The power of a simple smile has the ability to not only lift your mood and change your day around but it is contagious to those near you. I hope these steps help you or at least you can take something away from this post to implement in your daily life…

Be Happy.
Stay Positive.
Keep Smiling.