7 Keys to Cultivating a Positive Joyful Attitude

If you were to sit down and write out a list of the people you admire, I am willing to bet those people would all have one thing in common, a positive joyful attitude. We are naturally drawn to people with a positive joyful attitude.  This is because these people tend to enjoy life more, are generally happier and more productive. They are a joy to be around.

While it is true that some people are by nature positive, most actually make a conscious effort to have a positive joyful attitude. It is a choice we make, having a positive joyful attitude requires a specific focus on choosing joy.

While it does take effort, it is well worth it, cultivating a more positive joyful attitude has numerous benefits.  Our attitude, not only affects how we feel, but it directly affects our ability to achieve our goals and manage our time. It even has an effect on our health.  When we are grumbling and complaining, or being less than positive, it affects our overall productivity.

You see, changing your attitude and becoming a more joyful person can have one of the biggest positive impacts on your life.  The reason for this is simple, when you have the right attitude, you will believe in yourself.  And of course, when you believe in yourself you move forward in making positive accomplishments.

So if you find that you are not accomplishing all that you want to, try these seven keys to cultivating a more positive and joyful attitude.

1. Keep Visual Reminders

A key to accomplishing any goal or desired change is to write it down and keep it in front of you.  I often print out meaningful quotes and positive statements that I come across. I keep my favorites near my desk so that I see them all day long. One example is the quote that inspired the name of this blog.

Keeping this quote close by reminds me that I have the choice of making each day my favorite day, and I can accomplish that by simply having a positive joyful attitude.  So to cultivate a more positive joyful attitude, find some positive quotes or scriptures that inspire you, print them out and place them in a location you will see throughout your day.

2. Associate with Positive Joyful People

Surrounding ourselves with positive people can dramatically change our own perspective and attitude. Positive people will encourage you without even trying.  In fact, if you find yourself grumbling around a positive person, they will find the positive for you.

Positivity is contagious.  So the next time you find yourself with a negative or discouraged attitude call a friend who you think of as a positive joyful person.

3. Put Yourself on a No Complaining Challenge

This one is hard but so worth it. Make a commitment not to complain about anything for a certain period of time. It could be for a period of an hour, a day, or eventually an entire week.  Challenge yourself to really do this and commit to it.

If you really want to be successful in this challenge, involve your family and especially your kids. Offer your kids a dollar every time they hear you complain, but be careful, if you are like me, you may need to limit it to a quarter or find yourself going broke very quickly.

A complaining fast is an excellent way to cultivate that positive joyful attitude.

4.  Keep a Gratitude Journal

Make a commitment every day to write down at least one thing you are grateful for. You will be amazed at how quickly this practice can cultivate a positive joyful attitude.

Start by taking each evening to reflect back on your day and write down one thing that brought you joy, some positive thing that happened in your day. By doing this, you end your day on a positive note, reflecting on the good.

The great thing about actually writing it down is that if you find yourself struggling on a particular day to find the positive, you can look back at your journal and see all the blessings in your life. This will bring an instant mood booster.

5.  Be Other Focused

I love the acrostic for the word Joy:

Jesus
Others
Yourself

To cultivate more joy in your life, put Jesus first, others second and yourself last.

We struggle with our attitude when we put our self first and are overly focused on our own circumstances. By changing our focus, it automatically takes our mind off of our own circumstances.

So if you find yourself struggling to maintain a positive joyful attitude focus on others. Look for ways to be a blessing to someone else. It could be as much as bringing a meal to a friend, or as simple as going out of your way to smile and thank the cashier that is helping you. The key is being other focused and looking for actionable ways to bring joy to someone else.

6.   Get Involved in Something You Love

A sure way to have a more positive joyful attitude is to carve out regular time to do something that you love.

For me, I love working with the kids at my church. I have a regular commitment to serve in our Children’s Ministry, there are times I am tired and struggle getting out the door, but once I do, I am always refreshed and have a more positive joyful attitude.

Find a place to volunteer for something meaningful to you. Or if you really love working on craft projects, schedule a time in your week to work on crafts, if you love to read, schedule regular time to do that. Whatever it is that refreshes you, schedule time to include it in your regular routine.

7. Laugh Regularly

I know, it’s hard to even conceive of laughing when you are really upset, angry, frustrated, or in the middle of many other negative emotions. Take a few deep breaths and do it anyway. Put on a comedy show or movie, watch some of America’s Funniest Home Videos, or look at some funny youtube videos. Just force yourself to find something to get you laughing. Soon the bad attitude will fade away.

Cultivating a positive joyful attitude takes a little bit of work, but the benefits are numerous.  Keep positive reminders before you, associate with positive joyful people, focus on the positive things in your life, and remember to laugh often.

I would love to hear your favorite ways to focus on cultivating a more positive and joyful attitude in your life.