Focus on the Positive

Change frequently happens most effectively when we choose to change just one thing at a time. Practice one of the following activities during the next week. After you have made it a regular part of your life, try adding another.

  • List 10 things you are grateful for. Refer to your list daily and add to it.
  • Appreciate 5 of your personal strengths. Add to your list each day.
  • Identify 5 of your partner’s good qualities and appreciate them out loud.
  • Do the same for your children.
  • At least once a day, tell members of your immediate family how much you love them.
  • Attribute positive motivations to others, especially those who annoy you.
  • Do something kind for a stranger with no expectation of a reward.
  • Congratulate yourself for catching negative thoughts, then let them go.
  • Spend 10 minutes envisioning your life as you would like it to be.
  • Take satisfaction from 3 things you accomplished today.
  • Keep a daily journal of your positive experiences.
  • Before you go to sleep, think of 3 things you’re looking forward to the next day.