Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life. When you’re faced with one, focus on the good things no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they seem. If you look at it, you can always find a glimpse of hope even if it’s not immediately obvious.

Spend time with positive people. Negativity and positivity have been shown to be contagious. Consider the people with whom you’re spending time. Being around positive people has been shown to improve self-esteem and increase your chances of reaching goals. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and help you see the bright side.

Start every day on a positive note. Positive thinking is about more than just being happy or having an upbeat attitude. Positive thoughts can actually create real value in your life and help you build skills that last a lifetime. However, negative emotions narrow your mind and focus your thoughts.

In fact, the biggest benefit of being positive is an enhanced ability to build skills and develop resources for later use in life. Finding ways to build happiness and positive emotions into your life provides more than just a momentary decrease in stress and a few smiles.

Positive thinking isn’t magic and it won’t make all of your problems disappear. The only thing that it can do is to make problems seem more manageable and help you approach hardships in a more positive and productive way.

Trying to be positive when you’re grieving or experiencing other serious distress can seem impossible. However, it’s important to take the pressure off of yourself to find the silver lining. Instead, channel that energy into getting support from others.

Positive thinking isn’t about burying every negative thought or emotion you have or avoiding difficult feelings. The lowest points in our lives are often the ones that motivate us to move on and make positive changes.

When faced with stressful situations, positive thinkers cope more effectively than pessimists. Rather than dwelling on their frustrations or things that they cannot change, they will devise a plan of action and ask others for assistance and advice. Negative thinkers on the other hand, refuse to seek help.

Not only can positive thinking impact your ability to cope with stress, it also has an impact on your overall well-being, including a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular problems, less depression, and an increased lifespan.

As a matter of fact, positive thinking can play a major role in resilience. When dealing with a challenge, optimists typically look at what they can do to fix the problem. Instead of giving up hope, they marshal their resources and are willing to ask others for help.