Attractive ways to maintain and achieve a positive attitude

A positive attitude isn’t just about “thinking happy thoughts.” It’s an active, resilient mindset that influences how you handle stress, connect with others, and create joy—even during tough times.

Below are attractive, realistic, and research-backed ways to cultivate this mindset—with practical examples:

1. Gratitude in Action

“Positive people aren’t positive because life is easy. They’re positive because they train their minds to see what’s working.”

Example
Jane starts her day by listing 3 things she’s thankful for—like her hot cup of tea, her niece’s giggle from last night, and a good night’s sleep. Even when the day brings delays and stress, her mind is anchored in appreciation, not lack.

A study from UC Berkeley found that practicing gratitude boosts dopamine and serotonin—natural feel-good chemicals—and rewires the brain toward optimism.

Try This- Keep a gratitude journal or voice-record your blessings while walking.

2. Speak Positively About Yourself (Especially in Private)

Example
When Peter messes up a presentation, instead of saying “I’m so stupid,” he tells himself, “That didn’t go as planned, but I’m still capable, and I can do better next time.”

Psychologist Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion shows that kind self-talk improves emotional resilience and motivation—more than harsh criticism ever could.

Try This- Replace “I can’t believe I did that” with “That was tough, but I’m learning.”

3. Surround Yourself With Positive Energy

“Your vibe attracts your tribe—and your tribe shapes your vibe.”

Example
Aisha gently distances herself from gossip-filled WhatsApp groups and starts engaging more in communities that share uplifting content, spiritual growth, or personal development.

A Harvard study found that happiness can spread through social networks—even up to three degrees of separation. Being around optimistic people truly elevates your own mindset.

Try This-Curate your digital space—follow creators, pages, or communities that feed your soul, not drain it.

4. Turn Setbacks Into Stories of Strength

Example
After losing her job, Miriam decides to see it as a reset. She begins a small handmade candle business, something she’d long postponed. She shares her story online—not as a victim, but as a rebuilder.

Dr. Martin Seligman’s learned optimism theory suggests that those who see challenges as temporary and changeable bounce back faster and live longer.

Try This- Journal a difficult experience—but end with “Here’s what I gained or learned from it…”

5. Practice Mindful Optimism (Not Toxic Positivity)

“Real positivity doesn’t deny difficulty—it acknowledges it, then chooses hope anyway.”

Example
Joseph has a chronic illness. Instead of pretending everything is fine, he openly discusses his struggles—but also shares how he finds joy in small wins and remains hopeful for medical advances.

Positive psychology supports realistic optimism—the balance between acknowledging reality and still expecting the best outcome.

Try This- When overwhelmed, ask: “What’s still going well?” or “What’s one thing I can control right now?”

Why is there so much distinction in the way people react? Similar circumstances bring about different reactions in people. This is due to the fact that different persons perceive and process information in very different ways. In addition, people act based on their subconscious thoughts and experiences.  Individuals look at experiences based on their perceptions, attitude, what they learnt and beliefs as kids. For example, John gets upset when it rains, ‘Rain makes me nervous; umbrellas are a nuisance, traffic slows down.’ On the other hand, Lucy assesses the facts differently; ‘I like the smell of wet soil, rain cleans the air, birds are happier, plants and flowers grow.’ Attractive ways to maintain and achieve a positive attitude.

Bitter and Sweat side of life

Their respective attitudes touch their work, family, friends and everyday events. As a result, John experiences the bitter side of things and Lucy enjoys the sweetness of life. Similarly, these individuals look at life events based on their own distinctive perceptions. One focuses on the negative and the other identifies the positive in every event and circumstances.  There are attractive ways to maintain and achieve a positive attitude.

What does a healthy and optimistic thinking do:

• Causes good mood and feel good emotions
• Helps maintain optimal social interactions and relationships
• Increases school achievement and work performance
• Blocks anxiety and limited beliefs
• Boosts self-esteem and self-worth
• Reduces pain and other somatic symptoms
• Strengthens the immune system
• Helps patients recover from illness and from surgical treatments

Attractive ways to maintain and achieve a positive attitude

To begin with, it is important because it has a great influence on your life and choices. Positive thinking is how valuable and significant you think you are, how do you feel about life.

• It is the foundation step in you, it builds self-confidence – healthy self esteem defines respect, honor yourself so that others respect you
• Has a deep effect on your thoughts, feelings, happiness, desires, values and goals
• Helps you believe you are worthy of happiness, you feel worthy of respect
• You can still feel respect and be proud even if you make a bad decision
• Self-confidence is strong, you never have to compare yourself with others
• Is an essential part of personal contentment, fulfilling relationships and achievement of desires
• Gives clarity to recognize a person’s abilities, strong faith in themselves and believe that they are lovable and capable
• With self-esteem, you consider yourself a cherished person and you live for a purpose
• As an individual you can take new experiences effortlessly and handle criticism
• Allows a person to act independently and accept accountability for their engagements, goals, mistakes and desires
• An individual with a healthy self-esteem has a sense of control, track and approach difficulties with a different perspective.

As Nathaniel Branden wrote about self esteem, “Positive self esteem is important because when people experience it, they feel and look good. You will feel as good as you think. Positive people are effective and productive and they respond to others and themselves in healthy, positive, growing ways. Know that they are lovable, capable and care about themselves and others. They do not have to build themselves up by tearing others down or by patronizing less”. More about Nathaniel’s quote can be found at heroic.us.