How to Have a Positive Attitude (for Teens)

Last Updated: November 3, 2022 References Approved

Have you ever looked at people who just seem to radiate happiness and good energy and wished that you could be like them? Maybe you wondered "Why do they have so many friends? Why are they so popular? What is it about them that makes them so... well, great?" What these people have is called "a positive attitude". Having a positive attitude will help you to get what you want out of life, while having fun and being able to laugh.

1

Don't react, act!

Be proactive and think about things ahead of time so you end up with happy moments instead of just waiting around for bad ones.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}

2

Believe that each moment is perfect, regardless of what happens later.

Even the bad moments are a part of life and you don't need to let them drag you down. Things happen. Just let it go.^{[2]
X
Research source}

3

Be grateful.

Gratitude is a simple way to make you appreciate your life so much more. There's nothing wrong with having dreams or goals, but in the meantime, enjoy what you have... even though it may not be much.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living
Go to source}

4

Seize every opportunity you have instead of regretting it later.

When you have the chance to improve yourself or try something new, don't sit around at home and wonder and think about the pros and cons. Just jump in with two feet and do it! New experiences are a great way to help you enjoy your life.^{[4]
X
Research source}

5

Keep your sense of humor.

Learn to laugh and people will be grateful. Laughing creates such a positive energy within you and those who can hear you.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Don't take your life too seriously... be willing to admit that yes, some moments are funny.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}

6

Believe that you are in charge of your destiny.

No one can take your dreams from you as long as you're still breathing. If you have determination and will power, you can do almost anything. Success is whatever you determine it to be and you can be successful. Even when you do nothing, you are still creating your life so why not make it something to remember?^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living
Go to source}

7

Keep a journal.

At the end of the day, write down the best thing that happened to you. Don't go into the details of your fight with your best friend, don't start writing about how your mom is completely rude and unfair. Write something good that happened or something that you realized or a cool poem or quote that you found.
- Think of one funny thing that happened that day as well if you can. Feel free to write it in your journal, next to the one good thing that happened. This will help with your sense of humor.

8

Do something special for yourself and for another person each day.

This will help you feel better about yourself and give you something to look forward to when you get out of bed in the morning.

9

Try getting a camera.

The world looks different through the lens of a camera and it may help you to get the perspective you need. Take pictures of anything you want. It doesn't have to be of just your friends. Special places and favorite plants or flowers are good things to start with too.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you keep a positive attitude after a break-up?

Evanne Torrecillas
School Counselor
Evanne Torrecillas is a School Counselor with over four years of experience in education. She specializes in working as a mental health advocate with middle school students and their caretakers. Evanne holds a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling from California State University, Sacramento.

Evanne Torrecillas

School Counselor

Expert Answer

You just got dumped, and that is terrible. But that's not your whole life! You can be grateful for your friends who checked in on you, you can be grateful that you have your own room that you can be by yourself and for all the things you have to look forward to. Never forget that!
Question

How can I change my attitude from negative to positive?

Evanne Torrecillas
School Counselor
Evanne Torrecillas is a School Counselor with over four years of experience in education. She specializes in working as a mental health advocate with middle school students and their caretakers. Evanne holds a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling from California State University, Sacramento.

Evanne Torrecillas

School Counselor

Expert Answer

A lot of people like repeating affirmations and gratitude statements, but that's not for everyone. If that's your case, try focusing on wishes for yourself! Acknowledge that even though you're going through a bad day and are angry about things, you still have the ability to be grateful genuinely and to look forward to good things.

Warnings

Don't be discouraged. Creating a positive attitude takes a long time and if you do the best you can to be positive on a daily basis, you will eventually get it.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 160 Not Helpful 11
Try to stop yourself from thinking bad thoughts about yourself.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 182 Not Helpful 16
Don't judge people. You're not perfect so why should they have to be?

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 182 Not Helpful 17
We all have our sad days. It's okay to be upset and sad. Being positive doesn't mean being perfectly happy. Just try to do your grateful rock exercise no matter what on those days. Gratefulness is still a form of positive activity.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 66 Not Helpful 9