5 Exercises For A Positive Mindset all 2025

Do it every day!

1. Create a gratitude journal It is very easy to forget how many things we should be grateful for when we are stressed or unhappy - a gratitude journal is a great way to stay positive, and always remember everything you are thankful for. 2. Describe your day using only positive words Language is a very powerful tool. Allocate 10-15 minutes at the end of the day to reflect on your day, but only us positive words. It might not be easy to describe a negative experience using positive words, but it helps to look at the situation from a different angle. This exercise is also perfect for family dinners when everyone can share their stories. 3. The mirror technique The idea is very simple: you should say something positive about yourself (and truly mean it!), every time you see yourself in the mirror. 4. “But now that …” game This game is from the Disney movie Pollyanna and it is a great game to cultivate a positive attitude. It works this way: the first sentence can be negative, such as “I had an unhappy customer at work”. Then you need to change this situation to the positive. “But now that I had an unhappy customer, I can improve my skills or services.” This game will let you look for opportunities and encourage you to find the silver lining.

5. “What makes you smile” list Create a list of things that makes you smile. When you are done with the list (can be done in advance), go for a “smile” hunt. “Collect” as many smile items as possible and check them on your list. This exercise – the ticking of things that make you smile – allows you to see how many things enrich your life and how easy we sometimes neglect them.

“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.” Noam Chomsky