Image by Tony the Misfit via Flickr

On the whole, I have found Americans to be optimistic, which is a healthy way to be. However, with the current and continued sluggishness of the nation’s economy and high unemployment rate, several clients have expressed feelings of disillusionment. Certainly, being disappointed or even worried by this situation is understandable, but I still believe the best way to approach it is to keep a positive focus.

    Maintaining a positive focus isn’t always easy to do, especially when bills are piling up or the job search isn’t going as well as one would like. That’s why I want to give you some tips I regularly share with clients about keeping a positive outlook, especially when times get tough.

    First and foremost, you need to develop an attitude of gratitude. Situations don’t seem as difficult when you regularly remind yourself of the good parts of your life, as opposed to simply focusing on the negative or worrisome areas. For example, taking a few moments day to think about the things you cherish or find fulfilling will make your days brighter.

    Next, finding a way to limit negative thought patterns can help as well. No one goes through life without some pessimistic thinking cropping up now and again, and sometimes those thoughts are telling you something you need to address. If you happen to catch yourself going into a negative spin over something, think about what is making you uncomfortable. Maybe you can find a way to alter the situation so that you don’t feel so threatened or out of balance, maybe you could think about what is upsetting you and then alter it so that it doesn’t feel so overwhelming or maybe you could share your worries with someone close to you so that you don’t carry the burden alone.

    Another trick I use to combat worries, especially things that haven’t happened or potential scenarios I have no control over, is to imagine or re-envision a different more positive outcome to replace the foreboding one. One you stop the unpleasant thought, you stop flow of this negative energy, and by immediately replacing the negative thought with a positive one, you put yourself in more positive frame of mind.

    One final step to take into keeping a positive focus is to take good care of yourself. If you get enough sleep and regular exercise, your outlook will improve drastically.

    With a little practice I believe you will find maintaining a positive frame of mind during tough times will be even easier than you could have imagined.