You have most likely heard the phrase “The grass is always greener on the other side.” but what if you change your mindset to “I am already on the green side!” Maintaining a positive attitude is a crucial aspect of living a happy life. A positive attitude can help us see the positive side of negative events, help us learn to see the thoughts behind people’s hurtful actions, help us avoid jumping to hurtful conclusions, and will teach us to be grateful for the good things in life. Having a positive attitude is extremely beneficial, but is also easier said than done. Here are some ways to maintain a positive attitude!

Oftentimes, we compare our lives, clothes, houses, and shoes to others around us or on social media. We spend our free time comparing our lives to others which gives us a negative mindset about ourselves. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, we should focus on what we do have. A great way to start doing this is by creating a gratitude journal! Take time before you go to sleep and write 3-5 things you are grateful for. It could be something small such as seeing a cute dog, or something big like receiving an award.  Doing this daily will remind you to be grateful every day which will help you develop a positive outlook on your life! 

We all dread waking up early in the mornings. Most days, our mornings consist of repeatedly hitting snooze and rushing out the door. Starting your days rushed will most likely negatively affect your mood. Rather than hitting the snooze button, practice waking up earlier than usual! Waking up early will give you extra time to do the things you love. This could be going on a walk, singing to music, eating a real breakfast, or watching your favorite TV show! When your morning is more productive and less rushed, you will be sure to have a positive and productive day!

In every work or school environment, there is bound to be drama and gossip. Gossip is a guilty pleasure of many and can really spice up a conversation, but at what cost? In any place, gossip can lead to an unstable and disagreeable environment. It may seem as if a little gossip here and there won’t affect you or anyone else but the truth is, it does. If you are gossiping about others, they are most likely gossiping about you as well. Quitting the habit of gossiping will truly make a huge difference in your life! The weight of guilt and drama can truly affect someone’s day so letting it go will make you feel so much better! If you have a positive outlook on others, they will have one on you!

All of us need to have a close group of friends that we can go to whenever we need but it is also just as important to make sure those friends are positive people! Positivity is contagious! Surrounding yourself with positive people will inspire you to be like them! When you surround yourself with friends who are always in a bad mood, their mood will reflect on you. Our emotions are like dominos. Once you hit that first domino down, the dominos behind it go out as well. Spend time with people who will lift those dominos, not throw them down. 

As high school students, our biggest priority is most likely our grades and sports. Many of us love and long for academic validation. Keeping our grades up will take a huge weight off our shoulders and will make us feel better about school! Along with this, we all long for athletic validation as well. Getting hyped up for your performance at a practice or game is one of the best feelings. Staying on top of school and sports may be very difficult, but putting in the hard work will truly pay off! 

Although it may not seem like a huge deal, maintaining a positive attitude is a very important skill to have. It all starts with changing habits, changing your perspective on things, and working hard. Using all of this advice will truly alter your life and how you see it! Remember, maintaining a positive attitude is easier said than done. All of the hard work that you will put in will truly be worth it in the long run.