How much of your day is consumed by negative thoughts? Take this challenge. For the next week, there will be no complaining, no worrying, no judgement, no jealousy, and no self-defeating thoughts. That means that you must be optimistic, see the good in everything, and be a positive influence in other people’s lives. I know that seems like a big ask, but you can do it. After all, it’s not like you’re running a triathlon, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or reporting to Army boot camp. Instead, I challenge you to see the glass as half full, bring out the best in people, and be grateful for the wonderful things in your life. Will you accept my challenge?

It’s as easy to develop a good habit as a bad one.

Isn’t it strange that some folks think that trying to be positive is asking too much? It’s as though negativity is not only a habit; it’s who they are. If that sounds familiar, ask yourself how that mindset may be hurting your relationships, stifling your career, or harming your well-being. That said, if you accept this challenge, you will not only brighten other people’s lives, but yours as well.

It’ll require you to be disciplined enough to stop complaining, shy away from arguments, and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Debate as if you’re right, but listen in case you’re wrong.

Accept the Challenge

For the next week, be optimistic, love life, serve as an inspiration, and make a positive difference. At the end of each day, consider the following questions:

• What made you happy today?
• Did you make someone feel special?
• What are you grateful for?
• Did you take an insult to heart or let it roll off your back?
• When did you place someone else’s needs ahead of your own?
• Did you catch yourself complaining and choose to be constructive?
• What worry never came to pass?
• Did you put a positive spin on a tough situation?
• What would have stressed you out yesterday, but didn’t today?
• Did you give yourself a pep talk when the chips were down?
• Did you try to win the argument or preserve the relationship?
• Did you leave your comfort zone or give in to fear?
• What made you proud?
• Did you pat yourself on the back?
• Would you be happy if your kids mimicked your behavior?

Look on the Bright Side

Do you look on the bright side or harp on the problems, see the good in people or nitpick their faults, envision the possibilities or fear the dangers?

Think how much happier you’ll be if you choose to be positive, see the silver lining, and appreciate all the wonderful things in your life. When you see the good in the world, make people feel special, and serve as a positive influence, your soul will smile.

A word of caution…

Some folks may beat themselves up for falling a little short of their goal. They’re missing the whole point. Don’t get down on yourself for failing to achieve perfection. Praise yourself for making headway. Remember, progress is one step closer to excellence. If you’re a little more positive today than you were yesterday, just think where you’ll be a year from now. Perfection may not be possible, but striving for excellence is.

Check out Frank’s new book, The Path to a Meaningful Life.

Are You Down in the Dumps?

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Additional Reading:
Don’t You Worry About a Thing
The Power of a Positive Attitude
How to Overcome Negativity in Your Life
Are You Too Tough on Yourself?
30 Habits That Create Enormous Distress
Do You Have a Healthy Mindset?
Inner Peace: Be Cool, Calm, and Collected
30 Powerful Tips to Reduce Stress in Your Life

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