Power of Positivism in Life

Anyone can tell you that one key to living a happy, successful life is having a positive attitude, especially during adverse times. In fact, positivism isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a life philosophy that shapes how we perceive, react to, and grow from life’s challenges. I know that sometimes there just isn’t justification for all the unfortunate things that happen to us. However, I also know that we all have what it takes to deal with misfortune when it occurs. It’s the power of positivism in life. This is what acquiring a positive attitude is all about. Ultimately, it’s about fortifying yourself for a fight with a very real enemy: your own negativity.

I know this is much easier said than done. After all, sometimes it seems impossible to stand tall and be positive when it feels like your world is falling apart around you. Yet, this is something that can be achieved, and it’s an attitude that’s worth acquiring and keeping sharp. Who knows? Your life may depend on it someday. Positivism, in its truest form, isn’t about denying reality or sugarcoating hardships; rather, it’s about confronting life’s difficulties with resilience, hope, and an unwavering belief in your ability to overcome.

Redefining Positivity: The Power of Positivism in Life

The word “positive” seems to frustrate a lot of people. For example, I hear people say, “How do you expect me to be positive when nothing in my life is working?” Or, “It’s easy for you to be positive and feel blessed. You didn’t lose someone you love, or you didn’t lose your job.” These reactions are valid. Indeed, life can be brutally unfair. Therefore, maybe we should consider a more realistic interpretation of what it means to be positive. Being positive isn’t always like a Disney movie.

I have learned that being positive isn’t always about feeling good. Oddly enough, it’s healthy to feel bad sometimes. That’s a good thing because it means you’re not a robot. Are you with me? Furthermore, being positive doesn’t mean we never make mistakes. True positivism is knowing that we learn from making these mistakes and move forward with optimism, understanding that we are better people for having made them—richer, deeper, and more resilient than before.

Being positive doesn’t mean that we should always smile and enjoy every moment of our lives. Give me a break! Rather, it’s knowing that sometimes it’s okay to cry, mourn, and feel sad. You don’t always have to be in control of your emotions. In fact, sometimes it’s okay to get angry and lose your temper. Don’t worry; your positivity license won’t be revoked. In reality, acknowledging your emotions authentically can be one of the most positive things you can do for yourself.

The Science Behind Positivism

Studies in psychology suggest that positive thinking can significantly impact mental and physical health. Specifically, positive emotions broaden our sense of possibilities and open our minds, which, in turn, allows us to build new skills and resources for use in other areas of life. This is known as the “broaden-and-build” theory. As a result, positivism doesn’t just make you feel good in the moment; it sets the stage for long-term success and well-being.

Moreover, positive thinking has been linked to lower rates of depression, reduced levels of distress, greater resistance to the common cold, better psychological and physical well-being, and improved coping skills during hardships and times of stress. Of course, this isn’t to say that positive thinking is a magic cure-all, but it is a powerful tool in your mental health toolkit.

Additionally, neuroscience has shown that repetitive positive thoughts can actually rewire the brain, creating neural pathways that make optimism more instinctive over time. This phenomenon, known as neuroplasticity, means that even if you are naturally pessimistic, you can train your brain to lean more toward positive thinking through consistent practice.

Power of Positivism in Life: The Habits of Chronically Positive People

People who are generally positive have problems just like everyone else. However, what separates the chronically positive from everyone else is that they know that their problems are simply part of the process of life. After, and sometimes during a crisis, positive people respond to a habitual mechanism that enables them to pay attention to parts of their lives that don’t make them want to spontaneously burst into tears in the middle of the produce aisle.

They find a way to shift their perspective and hold on to only the things that bring them joy. Consequently, this is the quality that keeps them from feeling victimized. Pain is unavoidable, but to a person with a positive attitude, that’s all it is: pain. It’s simple, temporary, and often uncompounded by doubt and comparisons to past experiences. Indeed, they instinctively know that adversity is necessary in order for them to grow. After all, we are here on Earth to experience, learn, grow, and become the person we are meant to be. Adversity is necessary for our advancement.

In addition to shifting perspectives, positive people actively seek out joy. For example, they engage in activities that uplift their spirits, whether it’s spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with loved ones. They also practice self-compassion, understanding that they are only human and that it’s okay to falter occasionally.

Embracing Life’s Challenges

Mistakes, defeat, sickness, disasters, divorce, war, death, elevator music, traffic, in-laws, annoying difficult people, and situations—I can go on and on. I think you get my point. It’s all there to challenge you to realize your capabilities. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn something new about yourself and the world around you. Positivity doesn’t eliminate challenges; rather, it changes the way you approach them.

It can’t be stressed enough that the filter through which you view experience ultimately determines who you become. In other words, how we choose to experience what happens to us, be it good or bad, right or wrong, or fair or unfair, will determine what we learn. What we learn determines how we grow, and this continued growth is what shapes who and what we become.

Practical Steps to Cultivate the Power of Positivism in Life

1. Practice Gratitude: Start each day by listing things you are grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on positive moments regularly.
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, try to reframe the thought in a more positive light. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” try, “This is challenging, but I can learn and improve.”
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. Positive energy is contagious. Also, curate your environment—listen to uplifting music, read inspiring books, and consume content that fuels optimism.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help you stay present and reduce stress, making it easier to maintain a positive outlook. Mindfulness allows you to observe your thoughts without judgment, helping you recognize and redirect negativity.
5. Acts of Kindness: Helping others can boost your mood and reinforce your own positive thinking patterns. Even small gestures, like complimenting someone or volunteering, can create a ripple effect of positivity.
6. Visualize Success: Spend a few minutes daily visualizing your goals and the positive outcomes you desire. This practice not only motivates you but also reinforces a belief in your potential.
7. Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into manageable steps. Achieving small milestones builds confidence and maintains a positive trajectory.
8. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements. Recognizing progress, no matter how minor, reinforces a positive mindset and motivates continued effort.

Conclusion: The Power of Positivity

Our job… Your job is to become the best person you can be, regardless of your circumstances. If we can comprehend this, it will help free us from feeling victimized when times are tough, and just maybe, help you to compare a challenging situation with a pop quiz in Life:101, rather than, say, the apocalypse.

Ultimately, positivism is more than a mindset—it’s a way of life. It’s a commitment to growth, a dedication to resilience, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of brighter days ahead. By nurturing positivity within ourselves, we not only transform our own lives but also inspire those around us to find hope, courage, and purpose in their own journeys. That’s the power of positivism in life.

About the Author: Steve Rizzo is the Mindset Adjuster. You can’t attend one of his keynote speeches, seminars, or read his books and leave with the same mindset. He’s a personal development expert, Motivational Sales, Service & Attitude Keynote Speaker, comedian, and best-selling author. It’s no surprise that Steve is also a Hall of Fame Speaker Inductee, an honor bestowed upon fewer than 300 speakers worldwide since 1977.