Positivity is infectious, but it doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a choice made easier when we let go of certain draining behaviors.

People who glow with positivity often shed behaviors that suck the energy right out of them. These are the habits that drag us down and keep us from embracing a truly positive outlook.

In this article, we’re going to explore those 8 behaviors that positive people have learned to release. They’ve discovered that by doing so, they’re not only happier but also more influential.

So, let’s dive in and uncover these energy-draining habits you need to ditch for a more positive you.

1) Complaining

We’ve all been around habitual complainers, and it’s safe to say it’s not an energy-boosting experience.

Those who radiate positivity have made the conscious decision to let go of the habit of complaining. They realize that this behavior does nothing more than drain energy and attract negativity.

Complaining is, in essence, a refusal to acknowledge and accept the reality of a situation. It’s a focus on the problem rather than the solution.

Positive people understand this, and instead of wasting their energy on complaining, they redirect it towards finding solutions and learning from their experiences.

In essence, they choose positivity over negativity. It’s not about ignoring difficulties, but rather viewing them as opportunities for growth.

So if you’re aiming to be more positive, consider how often you complain and what you can do to shift that behavior. Remember, positivity is a choice – one that starts with letting go of draining habits like this one.

2) Holding onto grudges

I’ve learned this one from personal experience. Holding onto grudges and resentment is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go – it’s exhausting, and it keeps you stuck in the past.

There was a time when I held onto a grudge against a friend who wronged me. I replayed the situation in my mind over and over, letting it consume my thoughts and drain my energy.

But those who radiate positivity understand the power of forgiveness. They know that holding grudges doesn’t punish the person who wronged them; it only punishes themselves.

So, I made a choice to forgive and let go of the grudge. It wasn’t easy or immediate, but gradually, I felt lighter, more positive, and more focused on the present rather than the past.

Letting go of grudges allows you to channel your energy into more constructive areas of your life. It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of past hurts and choosing to focus on positivity instead.

3) Comparing themselves to others

Comparison is a game no one wins. It’s a slippery slope that leads to discontent, jealousy, and negativity. Those radiating positivity typically avoid this trap, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique.

Did you know that the human brain is wired for comparison? It’s a survival mechanism from our early ancestors, who needed to assess threats quickly. But in our modern world, this tendency can lead to unnecessary stress and negativity.

Positive people choose to celebrate their achievements and progress, rather than comparing them to others. They understand that the only comparison worth making is with the person they were yesterday. By doing so, they foster an environment of self-improvement and positivity, rather than competition and envy.

4) Neglecting self-care

Positive people understand the importance of taking care of themselves. They value their well-being and know that neglecting self-care can lead to physical, emotional, and mental drain.

Self-care isn’t just about pampering oneself. It’s about making time for activities that rejuvenate us, like exercising, meditating, reading, or simply taking a walk in nature.

People who radiate positivity make self-care a priority. They realize that to give their best to the world, they first need to be at their best. And that begins with making sure their own needs are met.

Neglecting self-care is a draining behavior that can lead to burnout and negativity. By embracing regular self-care, we can recharge our batteries and maintain a positive outlook in life.

5) Dwelling on the past

We all have moments in our past that we wish we could change. But people who exude positivity know that dwelling on these moments only serves to drain their energy.

The past, with its mistakes and regrets, is a teacher, not a life sentence. It’s there to guide us, to help us learn and grow. It’s not there for us to live in.

People radiating positivity understand this deep in their hearts. They’ve felt the pain of past failures but have made the choice not to linger there. Instead, they take the lessons and move forward, using the past as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

Letting go of dwelling on the past can be tough, but it’s crucial for maintaining positivity. It allows us to focus on the present moment and the possibilities of tomorrow instead of being stuck in yesterday.

6) Seeking validation from others

There was a time in my life when I constantly sought validation from others. I needed their approval to feel good about myself. It was draining, as I was giving others the power to determine my self-worth.

Individuals who glow with positivity often realize that the only validation they need is from themselves. They acknowledge their self-worth isn’t determined by how others perceive them.

Once I understood this, I started to appreciate my own values, strengths, and accomplishments more. I stopped seeking validation from others and began to validate myself.

Releasing the need for external validation is liberating. It helps build self-confidence, fosters self-love, and most importantly, it allows positivity to flourish.

7) Resisting change

Change is a natural part of life, yet many of us resist it because it takes us out of our comfort zone. However, those who radiate positivity view change differently.

Positive people understand that change is inevitable and often leads to growth. They embrace change, seeing it as an opportunity for new experiences and learning. They’re open to new ideas and willing to adapt when necessary.

Resisting change can be energy-draining, keeping you stuck in the past or in unproductive routines. Letting go of this resistance allows you to move forward, evolve, and maintain a positive outlook on life.

8) Fearing failure

The fear of failure can be paralyzing. It can hold us back from trying new things, taking risks, and stepping out of our comfort zones. People who radiate positivity, however, see failure in a different light.

They understand that failure is not the end but rather a part of the journey to success. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger. They know that every setback is a setup for a comeback.

Letting go of the fear of failure is liberating. It frees up energy for creativity, innovation, and progress. Remember, the only real failure in life is not trying at all.

Final thoughts: The power of choice

At the heart of positivity lies a simple yet powerful concept – choice. The decision to let go of draining behaviors and embrace positivity is within our control.

The renowned psychologist, Viktor Frankl, once said, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

People who radiate positivity have learned to navigate this space. They’ve made the conscious choice to let go of behaviors that drain them, choosing instead to focus on those that uplift and inspire.

Whether it’s letting go of complaining, forgiving past wrongs, or embracing change, the choice is ours. In every moment, we have the opportunity to choose positivity over negativity, growth over stagnation, freedom over confinement.

As we journey through life, it’s worth pondering this powerful idea. How are our choices shaping our lives? Are we holding onto draining behaviors or are we choosing to radiate positivity? Remember, the power is in our hands.