Myth #1: Just be positive

This is part one in a series on the myths we are taught about happiness.

How many times have you heard that in order to be happy, you just need to be positive? No matter what, stay positive! There are millions of memes and inspirational quotes telling us that this is the single key to living a good life.

The truth is it’s not about thinking positively. It’s about thinking critically.

Yes, being positive is important, but you can’t ‘will’ yourself out of some things - mental illness, poor health, poverty, the loss of a loved one, etc. There are certain things beyond our control that no amount of optimism will ever change.

Instead, take a step back and make an unbiased assessment of your life. Sift through the emotional layers to determine what you do and don’t have control over. Then, shift your energy from the latter to the former.

Maybe you can’t control the fact that your heart is aching, but you can control whether or not you take a shower today. Whether you eat a better meal. Whether you confide in and lean on a friend. Whether you apply for that job.

No matter what - don’t remain stagnant. Start small and change what you can. Your strength will increase as you tackle each small task. If you are trying, you are growing, and I promise there is success waiting around the corner for you.