3 Simple Steps to a Positive Outlook

and how you can integrate them into your life.

Many times we hear that someone has a great outlook on life, but outlook is not something you can just have; it is a practice that must be strengthened each day. Life is like a Hollywood movie set- extravagant and colorful to the human eye. Outlook is like the camera lens. If you have dirty or cracked glass, the image immediately becomes distorted, and every movement captured through that lens is blurry and unpleasant. Today’s article will be a short and sweet one, diving into how perception is the key to happy days.

Disclosure: This article is not intended for anybody that has been diagnosed with a mental illness. Please consult a licensed physician. I am just sharing what has helped me switch back into a positive mindset when I’m down in the dumps.

“It’s an internal battle. You know that! If we can’t find peace within, peace we will be without. People blame the world for their misfortune, forgetting they make up the world. They are their surroundings. Everything they say and do causes a chain reaction. Even their thoughts alone affect their external circumstances. The mind is a translator between you and what’s around you, remember that.”
—Haley Ahern, North of Sunset

That is an excerpt from my upcoming sci-fi book, North of Sunset, which will be published at the end of May. Follow me on all social media platforms @haleyahernauthor to know when the novel is available for pre-sale.

Let’s get into it.

1. You Can’t Control What Others Say to You, but You Can Control What You Listen To

The audio content we consume is a very big factor that determines our outlook, and many people do not talk about how crucial it is to be conscious of this.

For example, I love sad country songs—oh boy, I do! But I realized that by listening to “He Stopped Loving Her Today” bright and early on a Tuesday morning, I was setting my whole day up to have that heartbreak lens attached to my sensor instead of a productive one. I understand there are times when you’ve got to have a good cry, but one moment of indulgence can lead to a bad habit.

From podcasts to music, make the effort to listen to media with positive messaging. Find the songs that make you happy and chipper, and choose to play those instead. If you’re like me, you LOVE learning about new things.

Tip for today: Listen to one new educational podcast episode and have a conversation with someone close to you about what you learned.

2. Your Actions Determine Your Outlook

Continuing with the theme of choices, your actions determine many results in life. Trying to stay true to your moral compass and healthy habits can help keep your mind in a happy state.

I know personally, if I don’t exercise, I am beyond grumpy and go into a downward spiral. I love the “I don’t” method. It is widely used in diet culture, but what if we “diet” our bad habits and poor decisions? Instead of saying, “I can’t,” say, “I don’t.”

Example: I don’t get upset over traffic.

3. Surround Yourself with the Right People

This last tip is a very important one that not only affects your outlook but your reality. Dan Peña once said, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” To use that quote to better my point: Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your outlook on life.

Think about how you feel after you hang around a miserable person—it’s as if you’ve been drained of sunshine. Then think about those friends that have this excitement toward life; I always feel like I’m on cloud nine after I see them.

Be very cautious about who you allow into your inner circle because their habits will rub off on you.

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To conclude this article, I will leave you with this quote from the incredible Lucille Ball:

"It doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself."