5 Ways to Stay Positive in Tough Times

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday August 26, 2009

Good day all and welcome to the midweek point.

So, I know you're asking, did I pull off what my intention was yesterday. Darned tootin' I did, and more. I took a leaf out of every personal development guide and unplugged for a while and just lived the day.

Today we're continuing our theme for the week and have yet another brand new contributor share...

5 Ways to Stay Positive in Tough Times
by Cynthia Morse CAP

We all know the situation with today’s economy. In fact, we are constantly bombarded by the situation whenever we turn on the television or pick up a newspaper. Hype, hype, hype … it’s everywhere.

So how do you keep a positive attitude with regards to your business, your job, or your life in general? Here are a few things you can do to combat the overall negative outlook:

1. Focus on what you need to do right now, today. Thinking about what lies ahead is all right to a certain extent, but can lead to depression if you let it take hold on you in a negative way, or if you start to over-think a negative financial or other situation. Focusing on your business, job, family, planning your weekend, errands, etc., can get your mind off the negative economical situation. Start living day to day.
   
   
2. Plan fun activities with family and friends. Get out of the house and have some fun! You don’t have to go far or spend a lot. Just getting outside for a fall hike with a picnic lunch can do wonders for your soul. Pick some apples, see a movie you really want to see, watch a comedy show. The point is, adding some fun to your life will help in ways you cannot imagine.
   
   
3. Stop watching the news. Yes, you heard me right. It can be downright depressing to watch the news these days. To catch up on what’s going on, read the newspaper or go online to get the news. At least you’ll be catching up on news that’s important to you, at your own pace, and you won’t have to listen to all the reporters’ hype. You can also pick and choose what you want to read about.
   
   
4. Count your blessings. You have a job or business, your health, your loved ones, and a roof over your head. You are not starving. Add to this list the things that are most important in your life.
   
   
5. Laugh … a lot! I believe that laughter really is the best medicine, and I try to practice it daily. I look for the humor in everyday situations. It helps to keep me grounded, and to realize that life doesn’t always need to be taken so seriously. Try it!

These are, of course just a handful of ideas to help you stay positive, not only during tough times, but in general. Keep a list of others you happen to come across or experience, and reference the list whenever you feel negativity start to hone in on you. You’ll most likely start to feel better, and maybe even adopt a permanent positive outlook.

Cynthia Morse, CAP is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner of Virtually At Your Service, http://www.virtuallyatyourservice.biz.She partners with solopreneurs and micro businesses by offering top-notch administrative support from her home office, allowing her clients the time to focus on what they love and do best. To sign up for her bi-weekly ezine Virtual Results, visit http://www.YourVirtualResultsPartner.com