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Why I Believe Being Positive Can Change Your Financial Situation And Your Life

Last Updated: BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 94 Comments

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Why I Believe Being Positive Can Change Your Financial Situation And Your LifeLately, I have been working towards thinking more positively and having a better outlook on life. Just doing this has already changed my world greatly.

My life isn’t perfect and I understand that no one else’s life is as well. Everyone has something that might make them sad, angry, scared, etc. and I understand that in some circumstances it can be quite difficult to see the positive.

However, no matter how bad life seems to be going for you, I believe that having a positive outlook on life and engaging in positive thinking exercises can change your life. Learning how to be positive can be a great thing as there are many benefits of positive thinking.

You’re probably wondering “How does being positive relate to Making Sense of Cents?”

This is a topic I am discussing on my blog because being negative can impact many areas in a person’s life.

Being negative can impact your finances in that you may never think you will get out of debt. Then, because of this you give up and let the debt keep piling up because you don’t see a way out.

Being negative can impact your career because you may think that you are permanently stuck with a job you hate.

Being negative can make a person think they don’t deserve certain things in life such as traveling, family, friends, fun, and so on.

The list goes on and on.

Due to the reasons above, I thought this topic would be perfect to talk about today. I believe that being positive can help improve your financial situation, your career situation, your life, and everything else.

Below are some of the many benefits of positive thinking.

 

Being positive can help motivate you in life.

The first of the many benefits of positive thinking is that it can help motivate you. It can motivate you in life because it can help you realize that you are in charge of your life.

If you are positive about things going on in your life, then you most likely will set goals for yourself and strive to achieve those goals. This is because you believe that good things are possible and that you are in charge of your destiny.

By being positive, you will hopefully feel more motivated to get out of debt, to find your dream job, to travel the world, or to do whatever else in life that you want to do.

 

Being positive will help you stop fretting about the past.

If you have a positive mindset, that means you are no longer dwelling on the past. You will realize that you cannot change the past, and all you can do is realize what happened and how you can improve for the future.

Dwelling on the past will get you no where in life and all you are doing is wasting your time. Instead, make positive changes and learn for the future.

 

Being positive can change your outlook on life.

Being negative can limit yourself and your abilities greatly. If you think you cannot do something, then you most likely will not. Negative thoughts can make you feel stuck, they can make you feel like there is no way out of your problem, and that you have no options.

This is why you should stop acting negative and be more positive instead.

Being positive can help you realize that you are able to do things. Being positive will help you realize that you are in control of your life. Being positive will help you realize that little things in life will not kill you. Being positive will also help you move on and deal with stressful situations better.

Everything in your life will be impacted if you choose to live more optimistically.

 

How to be positive with positive thinking exercises.

So, how does a person learn how to be positive? Now that you’ve read the many benefits of positive thinking, I’m sure you are interested in trying it out and seeing if it works.

Here are my positive thinking exercises so you can learn how to be positive today:

  • Instead of saying “I can’t,” say “I can!”
  • Smile more. Smiling is contagious! Studies have also proven that smiling can improve your mood as well. Even if you have to force a smile, just do it.
  • Be optimistic. This is one of the positive thinking exercises that you must do no matter what. No matter how bad things are, you should try to think about the positive things going on in your life. Think about how you can improve your life and how you are in charge.
  • Be thankful for what you have.
  • Don’t try to keep up with others or compare yourself to others in a negative way. Yes, you can use others as motivation as long as it’s what you truly want.
  • Remember you are in control of your life. If you are unhappy at your job, then do something about it. If you are unhappy about your finance situation, then change your situation.
  • Forget about regret. Regret doesn’t get you anywhere in life and this is an important step when learning how to be positive in life.
  • Do nice things for others. You’ll help someone else be more positive and you’ll be helping yourself as well. This can mean carrying someone’s groceries, saying hello to strangers, volunteering somewhere, and more.

Do you believe in the benefits of positive thinking? Why or why not? What positive thinking exercises do you do?

 

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About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says

    Positive thinking is a choice and a habit for me. To most of us, it’s hard to have positivist when we see no way out of darkness. However, in just a moment, when we choose to be positive, everything suddenly changes. We tend to SEE the way out. Thus, positive thinking is what everybody needs to have.

    Reply

  3. Kasia says

    I think positive thinking is a very valuable habit. It’s not always easy to be positive especially when we’re surrounded by negativity whether it’d be through friends, family or simply what’s going on in the media. But I think we can all find something positive in our lives and focus on that. If we believe good things can happen to us we can also achieve them by turning us away from the negative and instead focusing on the positive.
    I try to stay positive most of the time by being grateful for the little things, smiling and realising that it’s up to me to make a change and the only way that will happen is if I stay positive.

    Reply

  4. Natalie says

    Michelle, your post have been SO good lately!! I can’t get enough. This post is exactly why I went from making $84k last yr to $110k this yr. It’s exactly why I will pay off $32,400 in student loan debt this year. I cannot stress it enough. The personal development and personal finance books, blogs, and podcasts have changed my life. Being positive (genuinely) is life changing!

    Reply

  9. Sarah says

    Positive thinking is SO important. I know when I think negatively it affects not just me, but my kids and my kids and my husband. I’m also lazy when I feel negative and of course that just makes the whole situation that much more worse. When I’m feeling positive everything is just better. One of the things I’m working on is a vision board to help me maintain that optimism and keeping a gratitude journal. It’s way too easy to see the glass as half empty vs. half full.

    Reply

  10. Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says

    I definitely believe that positive thinking has the power to change your life! I read the book “Success Principles” by Jack Canfield years ago, which is all about being positive and remembering that you’re in charge of your life, and it helped me see that I needed a new career. This is a great post. Even though I’m a generally positive person, it’s good to be reminded of how important positivity is. Thank you!

    Reply

  11. Sarah says

    Great post, Michelle!! I completely agree with you. There is huge power in positive thinking. My husband and I watched a movie last night that featured a homeless character. I was thinking how fortunate we were to be sleeping in a warm, cozy bed. We really are SO blessed and it’s important to recognize that on a daily basis. It really changes your outlook 🙂

    Thanks, Michelle!!

    Reply

  13. Chonce says

    Being positive has definitely impacted my life for the better. I like to practice gratitude and think optimistic about what ever happens in my life because it not only feels great and reduces stress. But it allows me to become more successful when trying to reach my goals.

    Reply

  14. Brian @DebtDiscipline says

    Agreed, positive thinking can benefit you in all areas of your life. Always try and start my day but telling myself that today is going to be a great day when I wake up. Just want to get myself in the right frame of mind.

    Reply

  15. Fig @ Figuring Money Out says

    Definitely! When you get into negative thinking patterns they start to repeat and you believe them and then you live out a self-fullling prophecy. I’d much rather be positive and believe great things are going to happen for me! 🙂

    Reply

  16. Harmony says

    I totally agree with you. It’s difficult to be positive all of the time – like when I recently added up the total amount of our credit card debt. But, we have the choice either to be ruled by current circumstances or to believe that we can take action to change our future. Thanks for this uplifting message on Monday morning!

    Reply

  17. Brenda says

    Being positive is so very important. I cannot remember who quoted this but it has stuck with me, it is 10 two letter words “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

    Everyone has that person in their life who is toxic, they are never happy! Sometimes you have to separate yourself from them if only for a while. If you struggle with being negative try to find someone who is positive to be around and emulate them.

    Reply

  20. Amy says

    I come at this from a counseling point of view (my grad degree)… I’m a big believer in cognitive behavioral therapy, which basically says that our behavior is shaped by our thoughts, and that changing the way we think about things can change our behavior. So, yes, looking at things in a more positive light certainly can help us change our behavior.

    That being said, I’m not an inherently positive person, so this is something I often have to remind myself about!

    Reply

  21. Kristin says

    I love this! It doesn’t cost any money to be positive 🙂 I agree with smiling – it instantly makes me feel better. Plus having my dogs makes me feel more positive in general. They always brighten up my day!

    Reply

  24. Erin says

    I definitely believe in the power of positive thinking. I used to be stuck in a really negative mindset, and it never made life enjoyable. When I learned about cognitive psychology and the fact that you truly have power over your thoughts, I decided to harness that power. I get upset from time to time, but I always make an effort to be more positive. It’s well worth it!

    Reply

  25. Don @ Breath of Optimism says

    I am a firm believer in positive thinking. Every night before I go to bed, I reflect on my day and make note of the positive things that happened to me. Even when bad things happen, I try to find the silver lining. Then when I wake up in the morning, I get excited for the day and the endless possibilities that it offers. Throughout the day, I keep my eye out for positive things and when they happen, I acknowledge that I am thankful for them.

    To some, this might sound odd, but doing this is a great cycle to be in. When you are positive you see the good in life. This makes you happy. When you are happy, you are more motivated to do things which leads to greater success. The more successful you are, the more opportunity comes your way and you can do more good in life. The cycle just keeps repeating and compounding upon itself.

    Reply

  26. Shannon @ Financially Blonde says

    I feel really fortunate that I am a naturally optimistic person. My mom is not and she lives with us now, and it’s awful sometimes to hear nothing but negativity come out of her. I truly believe that we receive the energy we put out there so I put out lots of positivity and hope to get it in return, and so far, I believe that it does.

    Reply

  27. Kim says

    When I think of NOT being positive, I think of all the commenters on Yahoo. They could pick apart a nun who goes barefoot because she donated her last pair of shoes to someone in need. Negativity really is an excuse for why you aren’t accomplishing your goals.

    Reply

  28. diane @smartmoneysimplelife says

    It’s definitely attitude not aptitude that determines your accomplishments and general happiness.

    To me, attitude is the sum of positive thinking, gratitude and belief. All three combine to create a potent force for good. I’d love to say, I’ve got them all happening at all times but I’m definitely working on it… every day.

    Thanks for the reminder Michelle.

    Reply

  29. Jason B says

    I definitely agree that being positive can help you in many aspects of life. I start out most days by reading positive affirmations or looking at the positive things on my vision boards.

    Reply

  30. Jack @ Enwealthen says

    Positive thinking has often been a challenge for me. I know the power of it but negative thinking is incredibly seductive, especially in trying times.

    Millionaire mind was a big turn around point for me. I still fall into negative thinking from time to time but recognizing it makes it easier to pull yourself out of it quickly.

    Reply

  31. Emily @ Simple Cheap Mom says

    I believe that being positive makes me a happier person. Even though I try to stay positive, I do sometimes have negativity creep in. Focusing on what I’m grateful for in my own life helps me switch my mood back to positive.

    Reply

  33. Squirrelers says

    If we think positive, we’ll have forward momentum on our side. Plus, it will be easier to work with others as our thoughts can guide our body language and demeanor. I’d venture to say that in most cases positive thinking, with realism of course, is required for success – financial and otherwise. I know that my own successes have come with this important element included.

    Reply

  34. Emma says

    Great post. I often have trouble balancing being frugal with also believing that I have enough and not getting stuck in a “lack” mindset.

    Reply

  35. jessicacain126 says

    Appreciating the commitment you put into your website and detailed information you present. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my website.

    Reply

  36. Barry @ Moneywehave says

    I used to get stressed out about work and random stupidness but when I decided to let go and be more positive I definitely saw a change in my financial situation. Instead of focusing on what I wasn’t getting, I worked on ways to improve myself (blogging) and looked for side hustles (writing)

    Reply

  38. Connie @ Savvy With Saving says

    I absolutely believe in the power of positive think. I use to be very pessimistic, which would make me even more stressed out. But it’s so important to have a good attitude and stop worrying so much.

    Reply

  39. Gina Horkey says

    Absolutely believe in it. Your life is what you make of it – remember that Holocaust survivor that was thankful for being in a prison camp? I try to remember his story when I’m down – if he can be thankful in his circumstances, then so can I! In comparison, my life is not that bad…

    Reply

  40. Mrs. Maroon says

    Positive thinking is absolutely a choice. We each have the opportunity to have a good day or a bad one based solely on attitude. Mr. Maroon tries repeatedly to reinforce this topic. Perhaps with a constant barrage from multiple angles, I will finally begin to put it into practice. His favorite saying is “whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right” The man has some good ideas!

    Reply

  41. Jessica says

    I 100% believe in the power of positive thinking. I used to be a very negative person and I was miserable. I finally decided that I needed to take charge of my thoughts and the change has been amazing. You really highlighted some great exercises to get in a positive mindset. I love little reminders to be positive, like motivational sayings, happy/images, or great blog posts (like this one!) I also find it helpful to take some quiet time to set my intentions for the day or the week and to choose happiness.

    Reply

  42. Christina @ Embracing Simple says

    This post makes me so happy! I completely believe that with a positive mindset, you can do absolutely anything you set your mind to. I haven’t always been this way, but I’m glad to report I’m on the other side of it now and just in the last few months I’ve really come to learn that the world is truly my oyster. There are so many opportunities for greatness out there, we just need to believe in ourselves and our ability to seize them! 🙂

    Reply

  43. Tennille says

    Your absolutely right that positive thinking is a huge factor in accomplishing your goals. I have seen first hand how negative thinking can paralyze a person into not being able to go after what they want and the devastating affects it can have on them.

    This was a great post as usual! :o)

    Reply

  45. KK @ Student Debt Survivor says

    My boss and I were just talking about this today. I’m a big believer in positive affirmations. It’s not something that comes naturally for me (I’m too much of a realist/pessimist sometimes), but it’s something that I’ve been actively trying to practice because I truly believe we attract negative and positive energy into our lives based on the energy we put out into the universe.

    Reply

  46. Gary @ SuperSavingTips says

    It’s not always easy to be positive, but I agree that it helps in most areas of life. I try to remain thankful for what I have, and to recognize how far I have come when I am planning my goals for the future. If you don’t feel good about who you are and what you’re doing, wealth and other rewards just aren’t worth it.

    Reply

  48. Erin@BeetsPerMinute says

    Michelle — this is at a perfect time in my life to read this post. I lost my father too when he was only 60 and I agree so much with many of the thoughts you’ve shared. I actually just moved to the UK to live with my husband about two months ago and I’ve been in such a rut. I committed this past weekend that for the whole month of June I am going to do nothing but live positively with intention, gratitude, and happiness no matter what. I have to pull myself out of this hole and keep moving forward happily. It is true that whatever we put out into the Universe is what we pull back in — and that doesn’t mean it makes sense when terrible things happen to good people, but staying positive gives us all an advantage to live our lives out to the fullest no matter what comes our way. Thank you for sharing this! 🙂

    Reply

  50. Joleisa says

    I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post. It means so much to me to realise that I was right all along! I was in an unhappy but well paid job for 11 years when I made the decision in December to give it up! My happiness and positivity was worth more! I’ve since started my own blog and love what I do. Thanks and all the best with your blog too.

    Reply

  51. Joel says

    Regret is a word that is too often thrown around.

    I’ve lived my life with the thought that there is no such thing as a regret. The decisions you make and experiences you have are exactly what you wanted at that point in time. Without it, you wouldn’t be where you are today. Learn from your mistakes and apply what you have learned but never call them regret.

    Regret means that you wished you had not done something. Everything you have and and will do is for a very specific reason, even if that reason hasn’t shown itself just yet.

    Reply

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