In a world filled with negativity, remaining positive can be increasingly challenging. However, having a healthy frame of mind is essential to a joyful life as it affects your well-being and can attract positive experiences and opportunities. Learn what it really means to attract positive energy and how it impacts our lives. These practical strategies help you tap into the power of positivity and attract abundance in all areas of your life. (Estimated reading time: 12 minutes)
“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.”
– Zig Ziglar
“Attract positive energy” has become a buzzword in the self-help world. Because of this, I initially hesitated to write a post about it. But, instead of being put off by the apparent triteness of it, I decided to focus more on the experience of being positive and immersed in that energy.
I can’t say that I’m the most positive person, but I’ve gotten better over the years. I’ve made a conscious effort to develop a more penetrating and analytical mind, which can help a cerebral person to naturally look for what’s wrong and what needs fixing.
It’s easy to dismiss positivity as a lens that makes a person naïve, dismissive of reality, and prone to ignore critical issues that must be brought to the surface and dissected. But, over time, I became mindful of this tendency and incorporated some of the tools I will share with you in this piece.
Since I don’t always walk my talk, I thought about the people who do. On the public stage, I think of larger-than-life characters like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Betty White, Oprah Winfrey, and others. They are the types of people who are comfortable in their skin and radiate warmth just by being themselves. This, in turn, attracts opportunities and a network of individuals who flock towards them to bask in their light.
This type of persona is not limited to the world of celebrity. I’m sure you have met several people who have had the same impact on you and others. I’ve been fortunate to have met a few in my time, including a cab driver I met on one of my visits to New York City.
The cab driver was one of the chirpiest and bubbliest people I have ever met. I got to absorb this passionate Italian-American’s profound philosophies on life, which he shared with me during the long drive.
I asked him how he maintained such a great attitude despite working long hours and dealing with the notoriously irking traffic in New York. He smiled and replied, “You live only once, so why waste it on being cranky and cynical? I want to make the best of every moment in my life, and I don’t want my external circumstances to change that.”
After many years of pondering on the cab driver’s response and his sunny disposition, I had a breakthrough. I realized that the key to his abundant mindset was that he prioritized the needs of his heart and soul more than his ego.
The key to attract positive energy is ultimately about living from a place of meaning, joy, and contribution. Ego-based desires can never be satisfied. This is a spiritual truth passed on by the greatest sages and spiritual teachers of the past. No matter where you are on your journey, incorporating these strategies can help you attract positive energy and abundance.
What is positivity, and why is it often misunderstood?
Being positive means embracing an optimistic outlook on life. When we cultivate positivity, we think positively, feel uplifting emotions, and act kindly and generously towards others. This overall positivity leads to beneficial results, such as enhanced well-being.
Positivity is frequently dismissed as an annoying, hackneyed quality. One reason for this is that we misunderstand what positivity truly means. It doesn’t require us to always be cheerful or find the silver lining in every situation. Positivity is not something we are; it’s an action we take.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines positivity as the practice or tendency to be optimistic in attitude. In other words, positivity is a skill that can be developed, like running or learning the piano. In fact, researchers have discovered that positive thinking can rewire our brains, helping us overcome negative thought patterns and rewrite trauma.
The concept of positivity goes back thousands of years. The belief that altering your mindset can alter your world is a fundamental principle in Buddhist philosophy and is also central to evidence-based therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the different aspects of positivity?
Positivity consists of optimistic thinking, uplifting emotions, and constructive actions. Here are a few examples of what each of these elements might involve.
Positive thinking:
- Shifting negative thoughts to a more positive perspective.
- Recognizing the bright side of a situation.
- Questioning and reframing negative beliefs.
Positive Emotions:
- Happiness.
- Joy.
- Contentment.
- Enthusiasm.
Positive behaviors:
- Spreading kindness through random acts.
- Being present for your friends and family.
- Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle.
- Making a positive impact on the world.
The science behind positive thinking and its benefits
The benefits of positive thinking are backed by solid science, with a wealth of studies demonstrating its significant effect on our lives. Central to this idea is neuroplasticity — the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and evolve based on our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
By practicing positive thinking, we stimulate specific neural pathways in our brains linked to optimism, resilience, and emotional health. This stimulation releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, commonly known as the “feel-good” chemicals. These chemicals boost our moods, sharpen our cognitive abilities, enhance our decision-making skills, and cultivate a stronger sense of motivation and purpose.
Research has demonstrated that having a positive outlook can impact how our bodies react to stress and difficulties. By nurturing a positive mindset, we can lower the release of cortisol, the main stress hormone associated with various adverse health effects, like inflammation, a compromised immune system, and a higher likelihood of developing chronic illnesses.
Positive thinking can greatly improve our well-being, both mentally and physically. Research shows that people with a positive mindset are more likely to reach their goals, excel in their careers, and cultivate meaningful relationships. It also boosts our problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability, equipping us to handle life’s obstacles with resilience and grace.
By embracing the science of positive thinking, we can see the value of cultivating a positive mindset. When we tap into the potential of our thoughts and emotions, we open ourselves up to a multitude of opportunities, enhancing our quality of life and creating a path to a more satisfying, happy, and meaningful existence.
How can positive energy benefit our lives?
Positivity is a powerful force that can transform our lives in profound ways. It is more than just a feel-good emotion; it is a mindset that can shape our experiences, relationships, and overall well-being. It can also attract positive energy and abundance in our life. Here are some of the ways we can benefit from it:
1. We turn setbacks and failures into stepping stones.
When we cultivate a positive mindset, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities, where challenges become opportunities, and setbacks are seen as stepping stones to growth.
When we focus on the positive, we tap into a wellspring of creativity, resilience, and inner strength that can help us navigate even the most difficult circumstances. We can unlock our full potential and live a truly fulfilling and meaningful life.
2. We feel happier and more fulfilled.
One of the most significant benefits of positive energy is its ability to boost our happiness and life satisfaction. Studies have shown that those who regularly practice positive thinking and gratitude tend to have higher levels of subjective well-being, experiencing more joy, contentment, and life satisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to a more resilient and optimistic outlook, helping them better navigate the ups and downs of life.
3. We are healthier and more robust.
Positive energy profoundly impacts our physical health. Research has demonstrated that individuals who maintain a positive attitude are less likely to experience chronic health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Positive emotions have been linked to stronger immune systems, lower levels of inflammation, and improved overall physical functioning.
4. Our relationships are enhanced.
When we radiate positivity, we tend to attract people who share our optimistic outlook, fostering deeper connections and more meaningful relationships. Positivity also helps us navigate conflicts more effectively, as we are better equipped to approach challenges with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to find common ground.
When we attract positive energy, we can transform our daily lives and cultivate a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that extends far beyond our individual experiences.
How to cultivate a mindset that can attract positive energy
Cultivating a positive mindset is not always a straightforward process, as our thoughts and emotions can be heavily influenced by external factors and past experiences. However, with the right strategies and a commitment to personal growth, we can actively shape our mindset and attract positive energy.
1. Practice mindfulness and gratitude
Cultivating a positive mindset can be achieved through the powerful practices of mindfulness and meditation.
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment without any biases or attachments. By developing this awareness, we can objectively observe our thoughts and feelings, leading to a more balanced perspective. This can help us overcome negativity, face difficulties with strength, and embrace a more optimistic approach to life.
Dedicating a few moments each day to calm our minds, concentrate on the here and now, and watch our thoughts and feelings without criticism can enhance our self-awareness and emotional control. This practice allows us to transform negative thinking into more uplifting and empowering viewpoints.
Another powerful strategy is to practice gratitude. By acknowledging what we appreciate daily, we redirect our attention from what we don’t have and instead reflect on the richness and gifts present in our lives. We shift our focus away from what’s lacking and instead celebrate the abundance and blessings.
Being grateful means recognizing and showing appreciation for the positive things in our lives, big or small. By practicing gratitude, we can change our outlook and recognize the positive aspects and support from loved ones. Studies have proven that those who regularly practice gratitude are happier, more satisfied with life, and have improved overall well-being.
2. Add positive affirmations to your daily routine
Positive affirmations are powerful tools for cultivating a positive mindset. These carefully crafted statements, designed to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, can profoundly impact our beliefs, emotions, and, ultimately, our actions.
When we regularly incorporate positive affirmations into our daily routines, we actively train our minds to focus on what’s going well in our lives rather than what isn’t. This shift in perspective can have a ripple effect, influencing our overall outlook on life, our levels of self-confidence, and our ability to achieve our goals.
One key benefit of positive affirmations is their ability to help us overcome limiting beliefs and self-doubt. By replacing negative self-talk with empowering, affirming statements, we can challenge the internal narratives holding us back and cultivate a greater sense of self-belief and self-worth. This can unlock new opportunities, foster meaningful relationships, and inspire us to take bold, positive action.
Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can be as simple as taking a few minutes each morning to recite or reflect on affirmations that resonate with your goals and aspirations. You can write them down, create visual reminders, or even incorporate them into your journaling practice. The key is to find affirmations that speak to your unique needs and to make them a consistent part of your daily routine.
3. Surround yourself with positive influences
The people, environments, and influences we surround ourselves with shape our mindsets and overall well-being. When we intentionally curate a positive and supportive ecosystem, we create a foundation that nurtures growth and helps us unlock the power of positivity.
Here are three major sources to review to ensure that you attract positive energy:
- Supportive communities: Research has shown that our social connections and the energy we exchange with others can profoundly impact our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By cultivating relationships with people who embody positivity, optimism, and a growth mindset, we can tap into their good vibes.
- Physical environments: The spaces we inhabit can also have a significant impact on our mindsets. By creating an environment that’s visually appealing, organized, and free from clutter, we can foster a sense of calm, clarity, and positivity. Incorporating elements of nature, like plants or natural light, can further enhance the positive energy in our surroundings and promote a sense of well-being.
- Media and content: The media we consume can shape our mindsets. By being intentional about the books, podcasts, articles, and social media we engage with, we can be regularly exposed to uplifting, inspiring, and empowering messages that align with our values and goals. This can help us maintain a positive outlook and avoid the negative impact of excessive exposure to negative news, social comparison, or toxic online environments.
Surrounding yourself with positive influences is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of curating and nurturing a supportive ecosystem. Regularly evaluating the people, environments, and content you allow into your life can create a foundation that fosters personal growth.
4. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment
An effective way to harness the power of positivity is to participate in activities that bring you happiness, satisfaction, and a feeling of purpose. When we engage in endeavors that resonate with our values, interests, and passions, we access positive energy that can transform our lives.
Participating in activities you love, whether artistic pursuits, sports, or community service, can significantly enhance your well-being. These enjoyable experiences give you a feeling of achievement and personal development and help alleviate stress, elevate your mood, and create a stronger sense of connection and community.
Engaging in activities that we find enjoyable often leads us to a state of flow, a term introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow is characterized by intense focus and immersion, where we become fully engaged in the present, losing track of ourselves and time. Experiencing this flow state has been associated with enhanced creativity, improved productivity, and a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment in life.
By regularly experiencing the sense of accomplishment, pride, and contentment that comes from pursuing our passions, we can build self-confidence and self-belief. This, in turn, can help us better navigate the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise in life, as we are better equipped to approach them with a positive, problem-solving mindset.
5. Manage your thoughts and emotions
A non-negotiable when it comes to overcoming negativity is becoming more aware of our thought patterns. In a world that can often feel overwhelming and filled with challenges, succumbing to negative thinking and a sense of helplessness is easy.
By observing how we communicate with ourselves, our feelings, and the narratives we create about our experiences, we can recognize the negative thought cycles that might hold us back.
With this newfound self-awareness, we can focus on transforming those negative thoughts into more uplifting and empowering viewpoints.
Another critical strategy for counteracting negativity involves practicing self-compassion. It’s common to be overly critical of ourselves during setbacks or difficulties. Nevertheless, we can foster a more encouraging and nurturing internal dialogue by offering the same kindness and empathy to ourselves that we would readily provide to a dear friend.
Instead of dwelling on what’s going wrong, we must focus on growth by establishing realistic goals and recognizing our achievements to enhance our self-efficacy and confidence. One way to do this is to break down larger objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks and celebrate our successes as we go. This instills a sense of purpose and motivation to keep advancing.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming and filled with challenges, believing in a vision for a better life can make you a beacon of hope and transformation. By cultivating a positive mindset, you unlock a world of possibilities, where challenges become opportunities, and setbacks are seen as stepping stones to growth. By standing firm in your conviction, you can show the way to others looking for pathways out of their mind’s dark and cynical alleyways.
All my best on your journey,
Seline
Questions for you: What does being positive feel like to you? What thoughts do you have, and what feelings and sensations do you experience?
Did you like this post? Sign up below, and I’ll send you more awesome posts like this every week.
Have Your Say