Resolve to be More Positive in 2017

Like attracts like, there’s no way around that fact. If you are grumpy you’re going to find you attract more grumpy people into your life than cheerful people. It makes sense. If you’re always angry, complaining or constantly getting worked up about something cheerful people won’t want to be around you. They may try to cheer you up, but when that fails they’ll move on. The grumpy people of the world, those who are also angry, will flock to you because the bar has been lowered for them as well.

Last year we saw an explosion of negativity over the election. So far this year it doesn’t look to be dissipating much at all. In fact, it seems to be seeping into other areas of life.

That’s what happens with negativity. It’s like a virus. One person has it and the next thing you know it’s spread to all of those closest to you. The only way to escape it is to avoid it.

This year we should all resolve to be more positive. It’s not an easy task, it can be difficult at first to choose to be cheerful, but it is so rewarding in both the short term and long term.

Resolve to be More Positive in 2017

Clean House – If you want to live a more fulfilling and rewarding life – a more positive life – you’re going to have to stop surrounding yourself with negative people. You know who they are, they’re the ones who don’t encourage you to pursue your dreams, they’re the ones who compete with you when you share a sad story, they are the ones who never ask how your day was. Untangling yourself from some of these relationships will be simple, just don’t spend as much time with them. For other relationships, it may be met with more resistance. Explain that you need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If those friends or family members cannot be supportive, then you need to remove yourself from the relationship.

Step Back from Social Media – Social media is a wonderful way to stay connected to people near and far. It is also a way to be exposed to some horrible things like bullying, and verbal aggression. Cull your friends lists on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Unfollow those who are negative for negative’s sake. You don’t need to explain yourself, just quietly unfriend and unfollow those who don’t share your positive outlook on life.

Positivity is a Choice – Every day you have a choice about how your will go through your day. Rain can be looked at as something that ruins the picnic or it can be viewed as something that helps plants grow to produce beauty and nourishment – the choice is yours. Choose wisely, choose positivity.

Share your Positive Outlook – Like attracts like, and when you share your positivity you’re passing on more of the same. Compliment the bank teller on her fabulous nails, tell the dog groomer what a wonderful job he did on Fido’s hair cut. Let the people in your life know how much you appreciate them and they will go on to share their own positivity with those in their life.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others – We’re all wonderfully unique so stop comparing yourself to others. Did you know that most of us compare our worst with other’s best? Don’t do that. We’re all wonderful in our own ways. Embrace the differences and celebrate the wonder that we all are.

Don’t React, Respond – When you feel yourself getting angry or upset at someone take a few seconds to breathe and think before responding. Never react, count to ten if necessary, and then quietly and calmly say your peace. Don’t raise your voice.

Being positive is a choice each of us must make every day. Thankfully, as we do it more and more, it becomes easier and eventually becomes a habit. If you fail, that’s okay, just try again and again.

Happy New Year!