We tend to focus on the things in our lives that are not so great rather than staying positive.

Your potential for business excellence, excellence in your marriage, and excellence in your family life demands that you master the skill of staying U.P. (Ultra-Positive) even when - and especially when - everyone else isn’t. There is a tendency in tough times to zero in on the things that are “out of whack” and forget about all that is working in our lives, in our company and in our country. This is easy to do, especially if we are not strategically insulated from the continuous downpour of gloom and doom reports of “breaking bad news.”

When you’re Ultra-Positive, you’ll be more creative, productive, energetic, and attractive in every sense of the word. Here are some practical options to build your momentum.

Take a Twenty-Four Hour Mental Fast

Become Ultra-Positive one day at a time. You can rid your attitude of toxic thoughts through the practice of mental fasting. During your fast, abstain from all complaining, fear-mongering, criticizing, excuse-making, gossiping, and worrying whatsoever! Start with a twenty-four minute fast and gradually discipline your mind to repel all negativity for a whole day. Focus on progress. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

Stay U.P. and Watch Your Favorite Funny Movies

Laughter is fabulously positive. Research indicates that people who laugh more actually have more fun. Isn’t that surprising? Consider building your own comedy library on DVD. Save funny movies on TIVO. Watch often. You’ll stay healthier, more creative, and less stressed - and that’s a great alternative to the medicine cabinet.

Have a Counter - Attack Plan U.P. and Ready

Become hypersensitive to your thought life. Substitute negative thinking with positive thinking. This is called the Principle of Substitution. The split-second you notice any negative thought running through your mind, replace it emphatically with something like, “I am responsible” or “I trust God” “I am unstoppable” “This is temporary” or “I can handle this.” Repeat, repeat, repeat! Be ready with your comeback before the heat of the moment. Make negative, limiting thoughts unwelcome in your mind.

Re-Engage an Old Hobby to Stay U.P.

Involve yourself in a positive activity that used to be important to you but may have gotten squeezed out of your life due to other priorities. This will be both therapeutic and rejuvenating. Consider it a gift to yourself.

Intentionally Cultivate Ultra-Positive Company

This one is mandatory. It’s next to impossible to become or stay U.P. when the people you live and work with are petty, negative thinkers. Nothing equals the influence of your habitual associations. Especially now, be purposeful about which people are close to you on a regular basis. The people you hang out with influence your outlook on life. As you become more optimistic, you will attract more optimistic people in your life, and that’s good.

Help Someone Else U.P.

Donate your money. Donate your time. Volunteer. Simply serve someone less fortunate (and there are a billion or so to choose from) or contribute your talents and gifts to a worthy organization. Helping those who need help reduces self-centeredness and puts your own challenges into a much more positive perspective. The key to staying U.P. is to remember that every situation can indeed be positive when you view it through the lens of Philippians 4:8, as an opportunity for spiritual growth, character refinement and the redistribution of joy.