Find the Good in Every Situation

Do you look on the bright side or harp on the problems, see the good in people or nitpick their faults, envision the possibilities or fear the dangers? Think how much happier you’ll be if you choose to be positive, see the silver lining, and appreciate all the wonderful things in your life. When you see the good in the world, make people feel special, and serve as a positive influence, your soul will smile.

Turn Life’s Toughest Tests into Your Greatest Triumphs

For the next week, be optimistic, love life, serve as an inspiration, and make a positive difference. At the end of each day, consider the following questions:

What made you happy today?
Did you make someone feel special?
What are you grateful for?
Did you take an insult to heart or let it roll off your back?
Did you place someone else’s needs ahead of your own?
Did you catch yourself complaining and choose to be constructive?
What worry never came to pass?
Did you put a positive spin on a tough situation?
What would have stressed you out yesterday, but didn’t today?
Did you give yourself a pep talk when the chips were down?
Did you try to win the argument or preserve the relationship?
Did you leave your comfort zone or give in to fear?
What made you proud?
Did you pat yourself on the back?
Would you be happy if your kids mimicked your behavior?

A word of caution… Some folks may beat themselves up for falling a little short of their goal. They’re missing the whole point. Don’t get down on yourself for failing to achieve perfection. Praise yourself for making headway. Remember, progress is one step closer to excellence. If you’re a little more positive today than you were yesterday, just think where you’ll be a year from now. Perfection may not be possible, but striving for excellence is.