Why should I be positive?

A positive outlook refers to a mindset that focuses on the good things in life and sees challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. People with a positive outlook tend to have a can-do attitude and are more optimistic about the future. They often feel energised, motivated, and empowered to take action towards their goals and dreams.

On the other hand, a negative outlook refers to a mindset that focuses on the negative aspects of life and sees challenges as insurmountable obstacles. People with a negative outlook tend to have a pessimistic view of the world and often feel hopeless, helpless, and stuck. They may lack motivation and may not see the point in taking action towards their goals and dreams.

Having a positive outlook can have numerous benefits, such as improved mental and physical health, better relationships, increased resilience, and greater success in life. Conversely, having a negative outlook can lead to negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and poor health.

It’s important to note that having a positive outlook does not mean ignoring or denying the challenges and difficulties in life. It means acknowledging them but choosing to focus on the positive aspects and finding solutions rather than dwelling on the negative.

“The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” – Winston Churchill

Can Negativity be a good thing…

Negativity can sometimes be good, depending on how it is expressed and the context in which it is used. Here are a few examples:

Negativity can be helpful when it prompts you to take a critical look at yourself and identify areas for improvement. For instance, if you receive feedback that is negative, it can motivate you to reassess your behaviour and make changes.

Negative feedback can be constructive when it is delivered in a respectful and helpful manner. Constructive criticism can help you identify weaknesses and improve your skills.

Negativity can also be realistic when it is grounded in facts and evidence. For instance, if a business is struggling financially, a negative outlook can prompt leaders to make necessary changes and take action to turn things around.

However, it’s important to note that negativity can also be harmful if it is excessive, persistent, and focused solely on the negative aspects of a situation. It can lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, which can have negative impacts on your mental and physical health. Therefore, it’s essential to balance negative perspectives with positive ones and strive for a more balanced outlook.

Can improving my positive mindset really impact my life…

The Supporting Evidence…

Yes, there is evidence to support the idea that positivity can have numerous benefits while negativity can have negative effects on our well-being. Here are some examples of research findings:

Mental Health…

Research has consistently found that positive thinking and a positive outlook can improve mental health outcomes, such as reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people with a positive outlook were less likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with a negative outlook.

Physical Health…

Several studies have shown that positivity can also have positive effects on physical health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving immune function. For example, a study published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine found that people with a positive outlook had lower levels of inflammation, which is linked to numerous chronic diseases.

Success…

Positivity has also been linked to greater success in various areas of life, such as career success, academic achievement, and relationships. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees with a positive outlook were more likely to receive promotions and earn higher salaries than those with a negative outlook.

Negativity…

In contrast, negative thinking and a negative outlook have been linked to negative outcomes, such as poor mental and physical health, lower levels of success, and lower quality of life. Therefore, cultivating a positive outlook can have numerous benefits for our well-being and overall success in life.

In Summary…

Having a positive outlook can bring many benefits to your life, including improved mental and physical health, better relationships, increased resilience, and greater success in achieving your goals. It’s important to remember that positivity is not about denying or ignoring the challenges and difficulties in life, but rather, it’s about focusing on the positive aspects and finding solutions rather than dwelling on the negative. Positivity can be seen as a foolish and often childlike behaviour, but positivity takes work, much like happiness embracing a positive lifestyle is a consistent and lifelong practice.

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen Covey

Don’t be a drama llama…

Why it’s so good to be optimistic:

 Better Mental Health: Optimism has been linked to better mental health outcomes, such as reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased resilience, and improved coping skills. Optimists tend to have a more positive outlook on life, which can help them navigate difficult situations with greater ease.

Improved Physical Health: Optimism has also been linked to better physical health outcomes, such as lower risk of chronic diseases, faster recovery from illness, and better immune function. Optimists tend to take better care of themselves and engage in healthier behaviours, such as regular exercise and healthy eating.

More Success: Optimists are more likely to achieve success in various areas of life, such as career success, academic achievement, and better relationships. They tend to be more persistent, resilient, and solution-focused, which can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Greater Happiness: Optimists tend to experience greater levels of happiness and life satisfaction than pessimists. They focus on the positive aspects of life and find joy in the small things, which can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Positive Impact on Others: Optimism is contagious and can have a positive impact on those around you. By being optimistic, you can inspire and uplift others, which can create a ripple effect of positivity in your community.

In summary, being an optimist can have numerous benefits for your mental and physical health, success, happiness, and the well-being of those around you.

Health Risks associated with pessimism and negativity with a little evidence thrown in…

Pessimism can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Here are some ways in which pessimism can impact your health:

Increased Risk of Depression:

Pessimistic individuals are more likely to develop depression, which can have a range of negative effects on health, including decreased energy levels, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and feelings of hopelessness.

Higher Levels of Stress:

Pessimistic individuals tend to focus on negative aspects of life and are more likely to perceive stressors as threats. This can lead to increased levels of stress, which can have negative effects on the immune system, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Negative emotions such as anger, fear, and anxiety can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004).

Impaired Immune Function:

Chronic stress can suppress immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Pessimism has been linked to reduced immune function, which can increase the risk of illnesses. Stress and negative emotions have been shown to weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and infection (Cohen et al., 2012).

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases:

Pessimism has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This may be due to the negative impact of stress and immune function on the body.

Poorer Quality of Life:

Pessimism can lead to a poorer quality of life, as individuals may feel less motivated to engage in healthy behaviours, have fewer social connections, and experience less enjoyment in life.

Poor Mental Health:

Negative emotions and a consistently negative outlook have been linked to a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (Chida & Steptoe, 2008).

Decreased Resilience:

Negativity can also make it harder for us to cope with difficult situations and setbacks, decreasing our resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity (Fredrickson et al., 2003).

These are just a few examples of the negative effects that negativity can have on our health and well-being. By working to cultivate a more positive outlook and developing healthy coping mechanisms, we can improve our mental and physical health and lead a more fulfilling life.

In summary:

Pessimism can have negative effects on physical and mental health, increasing the risk of depression, chronic diseases, and impairing immune function. By adopting a more optimistic outlook, individuals may be able to improve their health and overall quality of life.

“It’s time to take our life back and stop doing things that aren’t serving us.” Greg Mckeown

A few tips to help you work on Mindset…

Becoming more optimistic can take some effort and practice, but it is possible. Here are some tips that may help you develop a more positive outlook:

Challenge Negative Thoughts:

When you find yourself having negative thoughts, challenge them by asking yourself if they are really true. Look for evidence to support and refute these thoughts and try to reframe them in a more positive light.

Practice Gratitude:

Focus on the things in your life that you are thankful for and make a habit of expressing gratitude regularly. This can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards positive ones.

Surround Yourself with Positive People:

Spend time with people who have a positive outlook on life, as this can help you adopt a more optimistic mindset.

Focus on Solutions:

When faced with a problem or challenge, focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of the situation.

Engage in Self-Care:

Taking care of yourself physically and mentally can help you feel more positive and resilient. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, like going for a spa day.

Practice Mindfulness:

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you stay present in the moment and reduce anxiety and stress.

In Summary…

Remember that becoming more optimistic is a process, and it may take time and practice to change your outlook. By making an effort to cultivate positivity in your life, you can improve your overall well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.

There are some great books out there to help with mindset, positivity and resilience or just to help guide you into making some incremental changes that overall will make a big impact. Here are my picks to get you started on your own journey…

Ant Middleton – The Wall, Mental Fitness and Zero Negativity

Greg Mckeown – Essentialism and Effortless

Dr Jack Lewis – Sort your brain out

James Clear – Atomic Habits

Prof Damian Hughes – The Winning Mindset

Ranulph Fiennes – Mad Bad and Dangerous to Know

David Goggins – Can’t Hurt Me

I have committed my life to constantly striving towards small improvements, focusing on a quest for happiness. My background is in Sports Science and Health and Fitness. I am currently studying at Lincoln University whilst trying to run a small business and bring up a young family with my wife Emma. This is the early days of our blogs but we want to bring you information which is rich in facts and full of information we hope you enjoy our posts as much as we enjoy creating them.