7 Ways to Make Positivity a Habit

For some reason, positivity often gets a bad rap. In television and film, overly positive people are portrayed as airheads who are clueless as to what’s really going on. A great story around the office is usually one that gets the most laughs by vilifying the boss or rehashing an epic failure. It’s much easier to think of 100 reasons why an idea won’t work than to come up with 10 of why it will.

Negativity might make us appear smart or realistic, but all it really does is drag down morale, dredge up bad memories and thoughts, and discourage our peers and our teams. The good news is that negativity is a learned habit, and we can replace it by consciously choosing a positive mindset. Here are some ideas:

  • Don’t participate in negativity. When a colleague complains, choose to say something positive in response.
  • Find an accountability partner. Strike an agreement with a teammate and commit to holding one another accountable to speaking positively.
  • Focus on the wins. If you’re having a bad week, remind yourself and your team of the wins (even the small ones) and how your team’s work is making an impact.
  • Encourage your teammates. Quit focusing on yourself and turn your focus to uplifting others.
  • Make it fun! Challenge your entire team to commit to positivity by having everyone put a quarter, 50 cents, or a dollar in a jar every time they say something negative. Use the money to do something that reinforces positivity with you team.
  • Be thankful. When you focus on what you’re are thankful for, you have a positive mindset.
  • Remember, it’s not just about what you say! Positivity and negativity are mindsets, so you need to not only watch your words, but be on guard with your thoughts and your non-verbal habits.

You set the tone for your team. Positivity brings blessings, while negativity brings disappointments. In fact, research studies have proven that being optimistic actually increases our chances for success in business. Our positivity helps us rebound from failures and attracts others to want to join us. And to think, it’s all in your frame of mind! So, how are you thinking?


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  • Raynita Terry says:

    I absolutely love this blog, staying positive makes your day so much brighter. I have learned over the years that a positive outlook is far more greater, it motivates you to do, be and strive for the best. Even when things are spiraling out of control, if you take just one moment and think of the good and not the bad, the situation isn’t as ugly as it appears.

    Thanks so much.