I have a bit of a reputation for being an optimist. It’s easy to be optimistic when things are going well.

However, how do you muster the positive outlook that fuels motivation and creativity during challenging and uncertain times?

Here are a few things that I practice regularly:

Decide to Be an Optimist
I make a conscious choice every day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day, to have a positive outlook. This doesn’t mean that I’m happy all the time. It means that even when times are tough, I believe that things will eventually get better. It helps to reflect on previous difficult situations for inspiration, recalling how I overcame the challenge and what I learned in the process.

Practice Gratitude
Even during the most difficult times, there is ALWAYS something for which to be grateful. I keep a gratitude jar on my kitchen counter with a stack of note cards and a pen next to it. Every day, I write down one thing I am grateful for and put it in the jar. I’ve never been great at keeping a journal, but this note jar is easy and has helped me practice gratitude daily. If I’m having a tough day, I read the notes to remind me of all the blessings in my life.

CREATE Positive Anticipation
Do you remember how excited you would get as a child in anticipation of school breaks? You can create positive anticipation as an adult, too! I keep myself motivated by planning things to look forward to, such as weekend getaways, date nights, concerts, and other activities to get out of the house and have fun. I also create positive anticipation with simple pleasures, such as making a new recipe, enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, or finally opening up that special bottle of wine I’ve been dying to try.

Lean on Your Support Circle
I tend to want to isolate myself when I’m feeling down or stressed. Isolation only feeds those negative emotions. But, if I force myself to reach out and connect with someone in my support system, it ALWAYS lifts me up and restores my positivity. The caveat with this tip is that you need a POSITIVE support system. Reaching out to someone who fuels negative thinking will have the opposite effect!

Let me be a part of your positive circle. Need a burst of positivity? I’m just a call, text, or email away!

Wishing you the best!