From Facebook posts to quotes on classroom bulletin boards to clichés that we sometimes use, positivity is not merely a passing reference. We often do not seem to realize how positivity affects us. A concisous awareness, practicing, and incorporating positive thoughts can not only make us feel better but it can also improve our health, enhance our personality, and in the process contribute toward success.
While there are many definitions of positivity out there, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, positivity means "the quality or state of being positive" or "something that is positive," where positive, in context, means "having a good effect" or "marked by optimism."
While ways to develop positive thinking have been around for centuries, people just have to embrace it. It clearly has its benefits, and the more that people resist, the more that their problems may persist. Everyone has many options, no matter what they want to choose, and even though there are so many different ways to develop positive thinking, including these ways, at least they all work!
Watch a video about positivity below, or click here to watch it on YouTube!
I conducted an informal survey, where each participant was asked seven questions, and I compared the answers based on age group, gender, and country of residence (United States versus international). The following seven questions were asked:
Each question did not always provide the same or similar responses. Some questions had were mostly consistent, while others had mixed answers. About 86.99 % of the participants said that they are generally happy. About 9.42 % of participants said that they were generally unhappy, and only one participant who generally felt unhappy was male.
14 participants who responded saying that they are generally happy said that they could not get any happier. One participant who responded saying that he/she is generally unhappy also said that he/she cannot get any happier. All other participants responded saying that they are generally happy.
About 7.32 % of participants said that they do not get along with most people they meet. Interestingly enough, out of those participants that said they do not get along with most people they meet, one was male, and the rest were female.
26 participants responded saying that they criticize their family and friends more than compliment or acknowledge them, while the rest of the participants said otherwise. 25 of these participants are in the 15- to 22-year-old age group, and one particiant is in the 23- to 40-year-old age group. Out of the 26 participants, 10 are female, and 16 are male.
When asked to make a list of their 10 favorite people, about 71.73 % of participants said they would not put their own name on that list. About 28.79 % said they would put their name on that list. I was unable to find a direct correlation between the age groups, the country of residence, or the genders, since everyone in each category and subcategory had mixed reviews.
About 19.89 % of participants said they look for something good or positive when something unexpected forces them to change or alter their plans. About 64.39 % of participants said that they look for ways to seek an advantage or something good most of the time. About 15.71 % of participants said that they either never or rarely look for ways to seek and advantage or something good.>
7 participants said that they do not have ability to change or influence the world for the better, 48 participants said that they may have this ability, and 136 participants said that they have this ability.
A Positive Outlook May Be Good for Your Health – NY Times
Turning Negative Thinkers Into Positive Ones – NY Times
10 BENEFITS OF POSITIVE THINKING
What Are The Benefits Of Positive Thinking?
Positive Thinking: Reduce stress by negative self-talk – Mayo Clinic
6 Health Benefits of Positive Thinking
The Power of Positive Attitude Can Change Your Life
Positivity | Definition of Positivity by Merriam-Webster
7 Scientific Facts About the Benefit of Doing Good
Ten Ways to Practice Mindfulness without Meditating
Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson
Questions or comments? Email gopositive0@gmail.com.
Go Positive! is a website created by Nisha Choudhary.