Discussions around habits often include the topic of failure.
Many people follow a list of steps for a certain period of time, but then struggle to establish patterns they can stick to. But despite failure, I have discovered that we form habits in our lives whether we are intentional about creating them or not.
Daily routines where I grab an easy meal instead of eating healthy, binge on Netflix marathons instead of reading a good book, or complain to my husband instead of offering a kind word have become habits that didn’t require any conscious effort.
I’ve determined that creating a positive life requires replacing patterns that pull me away from a life of joy and purpose.
When I think about habits for a positive life, I think about feeding the soul. There is a lot of information and plenty of resources surrounding how to feed your mind and body, but not a lot on how to feed your soul. I believe nurturing the spiritual part of ourselves will then overflow into a positive mind and body. Here is a list of 8 daily habits for a positive life:
1. Take a moment to sit quietly.
Whether this is through meditation, journaling, or prayer, take the time to reflect and listen to your inner self. Create space for positive energy and force out negativity. Find a location that allows you to sit, shut out the noise of the world, and sort through the noise within. Doing this in the morning will release stress and start your day with peace and clarity.
2. Practice gratitude.
In a world of entitlement, we sometimes forget to be grateful. Acknowledging your blessings each night will put your mind in the positive state needed to welcome rest. Keep a notepad by your bed where you can write down your blessings. This way, if it’s been a hard day, you can see several examples of good.
3. Learn something new.
Continual learning and the growth produced, as a result, help to mold us into well-rounded people. We may not always be the best at the new things we try, but taking risks and being open to new learning will ultimately develop confidence and courage. Read a book, take an online class, or skim through articles about a topic that interests you. Growth from learning empowers positivity.
4. Connect with positive people.
Every now and then we find ourselves around a person who brings us down. If we build relationships with positive people and work on connecting each day, we will soon reflect that same positivity in our other relationships.
5. Spend time in nature.
Go outside, breathe in the fresh air, walk, or ride your bike, and take notice of the beauty around you. Movement combined with the outdoors is always nourishment for the soul. Nature makes us slow down and appreciate what’s alive and thriving around us. We will soon thrive as well.
6. Let go of the past and focus on new possibilities.
It’s easy to get sucked into disappointment about the things we haven’t accomplished or the many failures we have all experienced. But if we take the time to dream and dwell in possibilities instead, we will soon develop a natural, positive way of thinking.
7. Share kindness.
The old saying, “Treat others the way you want to be treated” really holds true! Spreading kindness through words, acts of service, or giving your time not only instills positivity but also shares positivity. Practice taking notice of situations around you in which you could share a kind word or deed.
8. Set fear aside.
Fear of failing or taking risks can be paralyzing at times. But if we get into the habit of naming our fears, owning them, and then setting them aside, we create room for positivity to take root. Just as fear can embed itself into our souls, we can dig up the roots and plant positivity in its place.
Habits take time to develop and stick. As you incorporate these eight daily practices, be kind and patient with yourself. Don’t let a small failure keep you from trying again. A positive life is worth the attention and effort it will take to weed out bad habits and replace them with good ones.
What are some ways you practice living a positive life? Let us know in the comments below.
