Positivity
A mental orientation that focuses on favorable aspects of situations, maintains hopeful expectations, and cultivates positive emotions.
Also known as: Positive Mindset, Positive Orientation
Category: Well-Being & Happiness
Tags: positivity, well-being, positive-psychology, mindsets, emotions, mental-health
Explanation
Positivity is an orientation toward life that emphasizes seeing the favorable aspects of situations, maintaining hopeful expectations about the future, and actively cultivating positive emotions. It's not about ignoring negative realities or being unrealistically optimistic, but rather about intentionally focusing attention on what is good, possible, and constructive.
Research in positive psychology has demonstrated that positivity opens and broadens our thinking. When we experience positive emotions, we become more creative, curious, and open to new ideas. Our field of vision literally expands, we see more possibilities, and we're better able to connect disparate ideas. This is known as the broaden-and-build theory.
Positivity also increases our resilience and capacity to change. Positive emotions help us bounce back from setbacks more quickly and give us the psychological resources to adapt to new circumstances. Studies show that people with higher levels of positivity recover faster from stress and are better able to navigate life's challenges.
Importantly, positivity is a skill that can be developed through practice. Techniques like gratitude journaling, savoring positive moments, practicing kindness, and reframing negative situations can all help cultivate a more positive orientation. The goal is not to eliminate negative emotions but to tip the balance toward experiencing more positive ones.
Positivity creates an upward spiral: positive emotions lead to broader thinking, which leads to better outcomes, which generate more positive emotions. This virtuous cycle makes positivity both a cause and consequence of well-being.
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