Staying positive isn’t particularly easy, especially these days.
There are a lot of bad things happening in the world, and everywhere we look we’re being bombarded with negativity. However, it’s up to you to find ways to find the bright spots and the beauty in the world — it’s out there, I promise! — because if you don’t, you’ll end up stuck in a miserable mindset and you’ll experience these things.
1. The things you used to love just don’t excite you anymore.
Remember when your hobbies or hanging out with friends used to light up your day? If those activities now feel dull or like a chore, that’s a red flag. Losing interest in what used to make you happy can lead you to pull away from people and things you care about, which only adds to the gloom. It’s important to reconnect with those passions or explore new ones to reignite that spark.
2. You’re always focused on what’s wrong in your life.
Do you find yourself constantly dwelling on problems, setbacks, or personal flaws? When negativity takes centre stage in your mind, it’s tough to notice the good stuff happening around you, and it’s a bad habit that can keep you stuck in a loop of dissatisfaction. Trying to shift your focus to what’s going right, no matter how small, can make a big difference in how you feel.
3. You’re incredibly hard on yourself.
If your inner voice sounds more like a harsh critic than a supportive friend, that’s a sign. Telling yourself things like “I’m useless” or “I’ll never succeed” eats away at your confidence and makes it harder to break free from negative feelings. Learning to be kinder to yourself can boost your self-esteem and overall outlook on life.
4. Accepting compliments feels uncomfortable.
When someone says something nice about you, do you brush it off or deflect it? Maybe you even respond with a self-deprecating comment. Struggling to accept praise can reinforce a negative self-image and make it harder to see your own worth. Next time, try simply saying “thank you” and let the good vibes sink in.
5. Even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Getting through the day-to-day can feel like pushing a boulder uphill. You might procrastinate on small chores or feel paralysed when faced with decisions, and this sense of overwhelm adds unnecessary stress to your life. Breaking tasks into smaller steps can make them feel more manageable and less daunting.
6. Your relationships are suffering.
Negativity can seep into your connections with other people. You might withdraw from opportunities to socialise, misinterpret what people say, or vent your frustrations onto those close to you. This can lead to misunderstandings and make you feel even more isolated. Open communication and reaching out can help fix these connections.
7. You can’t picture things getting better.
If you can’t picture things getting better or find it hard to set goals, that’s a clue something’s off. A lack of hope can make you feel stuck, like you’re treading water without making any progress. Setting small, achievable goals can help you regain a sense of direction and optimism.
8. Small problems feel like huge disasters.
Spilling your coffee might ruin your entire day, or a minor mistake at work feels catastrophic. When you magnify little issues into big ones, it just adds more anxiety and stress to your life. Practising perspective can help—ask yourself if this will matter in a week or a month.
9. You struggle to appreciate the good stuff in your life.
Even when something positive happens, you might struggle to fully appreciate it. You could downplay achievements or find reasons why they don’t really matter. Missing out on joy keeps the negativity cycle going. Taking time to celebrate small wins can boost your mood and break that cycle.
10. You feel constantly drained.
Emotional turmoil can take a toll on your physical energy. Feeling tired all the time or having disrupted sleep can make it even harder to cope with everyday challenges. Prioritising rest and self-care can help replenish your energy levels.
11. You feel like you’re going nowhere.
There’s a nagging sense of being stuck—whether in your job, relationships, or personal growth. Feeling trapped can lead to hopelessness and sap your motivation to make changes. Exploring new opportunities or asking for advice can open doors you didn’t know were there.
12. Making decisions is really tough.
Even picking what to have for dinner feels like a monumental task. Indecisiveness can stem from fear of making the wrong choice and can cause you to miss out on opportunities. Trusting your instincts and reminding yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes can ease this burden.
13. Life seems kind of pointless.
You might question the value of your work, relationships, or hobbies. This lack of purpose can leave you feeling empty and disconnected from the world around you. Finding activities that give you a sense of meaning can rekindle your passion for life.
14. You’re often weighed down by guilt or shame.
Carrying around feelings of guilt or shame—whether they’re justified or not—can be exhausting. These emotions can prevent you from moving forward and enjoying life. Talking to someone you trust or a professional can help you process these feelings.
15. You struggle to express or deal with your emotions.
You might find it hard to identify what you’re feeling or to share it with other people. Bottling up emotions or overreacting can strain relationships and reinforce negative patterns. Journaling or creative outlets can provide a safe space to explore and express your emotions.
16. Being grateful doesn’t come naturally right now.
If you find it difficult to acknowledge the good things in your life, you’re not alone. But struggling to feel gratitude can deepen negative thought loops and keep you feeling stuck. Starting a simple gratitude practice, like noting one good thing each day, can slowly shift your perspective.
