How to Stay Up When Life Has You Down

UPDATED: October 7, 2024
PUBLISHED: November 23, 2016

Too many people start their day in a bad mood—or a low mood at best. And most of the time, they have no idea why. That is to say, people might not be consciously aware that they focus on what is broken and not what can be created from their day. As soon as they open their eyes, they start ruminating about problems, visualizing the chaos from the previous day and preparing for the grueling day ahead.

If only they understood that they have alternatives to help them stay motivated and enjoy the day. They might be so caught up in the insanity of their current situation that they don’t leave room in their head for healthier and more productive thoughts. If only they would switch their focus to things that make them feel good.

Related: 15 Uplifting Quotes for Positive Vibes

For example, you’re driving through or flying over some beautiful landscape that touches you in some way. Don’t let that feeling pass. Hold onto it. Savor it. Let yourself feel the wonder of it and allow your heart to soar. If you witness an act of kindness that puts a smile on your face, hold onto that as a reminder of how wonderful people can be and do something kind for someone else in the next 24 hours.

If someone says, “Have a nice day,” don’t just let it slide. Acknowledge the person and say, “You know what? I will have a nice day. Thank you! You do the same.”

The greatest benefit of genuinely enjoying the day is that you generate a massive amount of positive energy. It’s manifested in passion and enthusiasm, which are both very contagious. Enjoyment is the spark that ignites passion and enthusiasm. Read that again and remember it.

Related: 3 Ways to Spread Positivity

I’m not claiming that by making a commitment to enjoy the day, you won’t be confronted by challenges. Of course you will. There will always be obstacles of some kind to overcome. There will always be times when chaos and negative forces surround you, but you don’t have to let them inside. It might not be easy at first, but as you condition yourself to prepare for the day ahead with an attitude of gratitude and seek out the joy that life has to offer, you will notice that stressful outside forces don’t bother you as much. Ultimately, what you are doing is creating the ability to bounce back, and that’s an all-important life skill.

It comes down to this: The unexpected is waiting for you. Countless outside factors can make or ruin your day. So seize control of what you can—no matter whether you’re in an up or down period. Remind yourself that feeling good, true happiness and enjoying the process is top priority. It’s the key to staying motivated.

Related: 5 Ridiculously Easy Things You Can Do Every Day to Feel Happy

Steve Rizzo is the Attitude Adjuster. You can’t attend one of his keynote speeches and leave with the same attitude. He’s a personal development expert, comedian, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. It’s no surprise that he’s been inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon on fewer than 250 speakers worldwide since 1977. You can find out more at www.steverizzo.com.

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