Five tips on how to stay positive even when negative people surround you.

Positive vs. Negative people

It doesn't matter how positive you are, if negative people surround you, it's going to be challenging to keep your positivity. This could only happen with a lot of struggle and by spending a lot of energy.

These sort of people will unwittingly try to drag you down with neverending complaining, constant worrying, and dissatisfaction while you are fighting to stay on your feet.

There are groups and situations – like workplace, family, friends – which you can't just leave to turn your back to negativity. It needs a lot of concentration and strength to stay balanced and not get into a downward spiral, but it's not impossible.

These are techniques I frequently use since I do coaching whenever I encounter negative pupils.

So let's see what we can do!

Techniques to stay positive in every situation

1. Focus on yourself

When you encounter negative attitude try to concentrate on yourself. Detach yourself from what other people are saying or doing. Control your behavior by being self-conscious and ask yourself the following questions.
How will I react to this situation?
How can I react more positively?
Whenever I meet a negative person, I revise my feelings and thoughts about the situation, and I make myself sure that the other person's attitude is NOT down to me. On the other hand, I can fully control my reactions, thoughts, and the way I communicate.

1. Turn back your reaction

It's a great tactic to do the polar opposite of what a difficult and arduous person does. It's hard not to show them a mirror, especially when they yell, provoke and confront us or just simply throwing a tantrum.
Let's be honest, we've all encountered these types before.
The best and most shocking reaction is to act the opposite way. This helps us keep our positivity while it will confuse the other person who might stop quicker if he realizes you won't ‘stoke the fire.’

1. Don' take it personally

There is always a reason why someone has negative feelings but don't take this personally. You must make yourself sure that you are not the reason for these feelings and reactions they are the result of the situation. Try to distance yourself from it.

1. Stay in the present

The situation won't feel as awkward if you can stay in the moment. You are not going to be worried about what happened or what is going to be the consequences.
Most people are concerned about the past or future, and it poisons their present. Your life will be more pure and positive if you only concentrate on the PRESENT.

1. Express gratitude

I know it must be hard to be grateful for something which feels destructive or has an adverse effect on your life, but this can be helpful as well.
If you meet someone that you share positive memories with try to focus on those when something negative happens. Everybody can have a bad day.
But what about those people who are constantly having one?
That's the real challenge! Find gratitude: it will make you proud that in spite of his attitude you stayed positive which will strengthen your inner power.
You are bigger than the problem, or it's the other way round.

It's your choice.