21 Ways to Think Positively Every Day

By actively filtering out certain words and phrases, you're forcing your brain to find more positive ways to communicate. Prohibit yourself from saying "no," "can't," and other restricting things.

A good attitude is contagious, so hang out with those who will contribute to your positivity instead of bringing you down.

When you say thanks either vocally or to yourself, it makes it more difficult to think negatively. Remind yourself that things could be worse and take a moment to be appreciative.

Create an original phrase or choose from existing ones. Whenever things start slipping to the wayside, recite your motto to get you back on track.

If you can prevent negative thoughts from forming, do what you can to keep them at bay. Ask your mother if you can call her back another time, for example, or take a different route to work instead.

Give yourself an incentive to stay positive by treating yourself once in a while. Good thoughts will also likely be a result from doing so.

Being aware of what you're saying, thinking, and feeling can do wonders for your attitude. You'll have a better hold of your emotions and thoughts, which will translate all around.

It's easier to form negative thoughts when you're constantly on the go and stressed out. Take a breather and find your calm until you reach a more restored state.

By starting your day off on a good note, the rest of your day is more likely to follow. Wake up to your favorite playlist, stop by your favorite coffee shop, and take your time getting ready.

Don't underestimate the power of sticky notes. Sprinkle Post-Its around your room, mirror, or work space as a friendly reminder to keep up the positive thinking.

Vocalize the type of thinking you want to adopt. It might seem uncomfortable at first to talk aloud to yourself, but hearing something vs. listening to the voice in your head can have a different impact.

Self-criticism is so easy because you don't realize how much damage you can do to yourself. Be mindful about the things you're telling yourself and catch any negative thoughts before you allow them to manifest.

This is almost a foolproof method to keep your spirits up. If there's a particular activity that always puts you in a good mood, do it! And do it often.

Helping others almost always makes you feel good in return — it's a win-win! Even a small gesture like writing a coworker a thank-you note can help shift the nature of your thoughts.

Pick up a book that has the potential to change your perspective on things or reread an old favorite. Books that have an impact will most likely stay with you for a while.

Every situation, good or bad, can have a positive element — it just depends on the way you choose to see it. Evaluate the scenario and take away an opportunity or lesson from it.

Step back from a situation and views things from at large. The day-to-day stresses of a time-consuming project, for example, will have a major payout in the long run.

Look to a healthy outlet that will help facilitate good vibes. Exercise in general is an effective way to let go of both mental and physical tensions.

Being constantly connected to your news feed can be unhealthy. You may see articles that spark some sort of negative emotion or unconsciously compare yourself to your Instagram-perfect friends. Allow yourself to shut it off for a short period.

Allowing things outside your control to get into your head can be toxic. Try your best to move forward or else you'll be stuck in this unhealthy cycle of "I should've"s and "I would've"s.

If positive thinking doesn't come naturally to you, you can't expect it to happen for you all of a sudden on its own. It requires altering your current mindset and actively seeking the good in every situation.