Find the optimistic viewpoint in a negative situation.

When you are in the situation which seem to be negative for you, perhaps you have been feeling lazy or made a mistake, ask yourself:

• What is one thing that is good about this situation?
• How I can change it?
• Is this the opportunity within?

Live in a positive environment

It is essential to have influences in your life who support you and lift you up, instead of dragging you down. Choose wisely people you are surrounded by. Stay with those who are positive and lifting you up, even if this is a family member, friend or co-worker. Also choose to avoid spending too much time watching tv, being on laptop or simply checking constantly your mobile.

You can for example ask yourself:

• Who are the 3 most negative people I spend time with?
• What are the 3 of most negative sources of information I spend time on?

Go slowly

It is very common that when we try to think, talk, eat and move around in our world really quickly then things don’t go too well. Solution? – Slow Down!

When stress builds up every day we get more and more negative thoughts and our own personal power decreases.

But if you slow down just for a few minutes – even if you need to force yourself by walking, talking and eating slower – then your mind and body calms down too. It becomes easier to think things through clearly again.

Learn to take criticism in a healthy way

One of the most common fears is the fear of criticism. It can hold people back from doing what they want in life. But if you take an action you can handle it. Here are 4 steps to follow:

Step 1: Don’t reply right away.

Take at least a couple of deep breaths or a little time to process the message before you respond.

Step 2: Really listen to the criticism.

Ask yourself: Is there one thing I can learn from this criticism? Is there something here that I may not want to hear but could help me?

Step 3: Remember that the criticism isn’t always about you.

Think to yourself that this person might not be feeling so good at the moment.

Step 4: Reply or let go.

If you reply to email or message try to keep your reply level-headed and kind.

If you get nasty attack or you feel like the person is rude and crossing a line and it is not agreeing with your values and believes, just simply let it go and do not reply at all. This way you will avoid extra unnecessary stress.

Remember, we are not here to teach people how they should behave, we can only observe and respond or not.

Start day in a positive way

How you start your day usually sets the tone for the rest of your day.

So be careful about how you spend your mornings. Take a time to have your delicious breakfast. Talk to your friend or partner. Do not open emails until you start working. Enjoy the momentum and then get in the work related mood.