6 Limitations That Are Keeping You From Positivity
Are you having trouble maintaining a positive outlook, despite your best efforts? If you find it challenging to stay upbeat, it might be due to one (or more) of these six obstacles.
I get it. The world is a dark and scary place. Bad things happen to good people, and it doesn’t seem like anything will get better.
Turn on the nightly news (or turn on that infamous bird app), and you are suddenly cast into the deep end of a never-ending cycle of negativity.
It’s enough to make even the most optimistic person among us feel a little down in the dumps.
And yet, we know that positivity is essential to a thriving life.
Being positive has been linked with everything from better physical health to increased productivity. So how do we stay positive when it feels like the world is against us?
The answer may be in what’s holding you back rather than the external world. Here are six things that might be keeping your positivity locked up:
1. You’re a perfectionist
If you’re the type of person who needs everything to be perfect before you can feel good, you’re likely setting yourself up for disappointment. Life is messy and imperfect, and that’s OK! Embrace the imperfections and learn to roll with the punches.
Don’t let your need for perfectionism get in the way of your happiness. Only when you’re able to accept life’s imperfections will you be able to enjoy the good moments fully.
2. You’re a people pleaser
If you constantly bend over backward to please others, you may be putting your own happiness on the back burner.
It’s essential to do things for yourself and to make sure that your own needs are being met. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up feeling resentful and unhappy.
Remember the instructions from your flight attendant: put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others! Make sure to nurture your happiness by doing things that make you feel good.
3. You catastrophize about potential futures
In Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander says, “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”
I love that. If you’re constantly dwelling on the negative, you’re not only missing out on the good things in life, but you’re also making yourself unhappy in the process.
Try to focus on the positive and find the silver lining in every situation. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it.
4. You’re constantly comparing yourself to others
Ah, our Instagram-perfect world. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, but it’s important to remember that we are all on our journey.
Comparison is the thief of joy, so instead of looking at what others have, focus on your achievements and progress.
Instead of comparing, try to focus on your own unique qualities and strengths. Why compare when you can celebrate?
5. You’re holding onto grudges
A mentor once told me that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It just doesn’t make any sense! If you’re holding onto anger and bitterness, it’s only going to hurt you in the end.
Try to let go of your grudges and forgive those who have hurt you in the past. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
6. You’re not living in the present
This one is my biggest struggle. I’m always either living in the past or worrying about the future. But the present is where life is happening! If you’re not living in the moment, you’re missing out on all the good that’s happening right now.
Take a deep breath and try to focus on the here and now. What can you do to make the present moment more enjoyable?
Find Joy to Unlock Positive Thinking
A friend once asked me, “What are you doing for fun lately?”
My lack of an answer was telling. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to make time for things that bring us joy.
But when we take the time to do things that make us happy, it helps unlock our positive thinking. So go out and find some joy!
What are some things that help you stay positive? Let me know in the comments below!
