“Why did I say that?  What was I thinking spending $100?  Why can’t I lose five pounds?” If you suffer from similar stressful or negative thoughts cycling through your mind, then you are not alone. According to a recent Harris Poll, only 35 percent of U.S. women report they are very happy and most adults worry about their health, finances and the future.

So how can you start to think more positively about life and stop these negative thoughts in their tracks? Below are three tips for looking at life more positively. By becoming a positive thinker, you can find contentment in the short term and achieve personal and professional growth in the long term.

1. Build self awareness

Building self awareness is all about being in the moment and not allowing negative thinking to subtract from what you’re doing right now. When you start to spiral into a negative thought cycle, stop for a moment and acknowledge the negative thoughts. Then take a deep breath and visualize letting each thought go. Some people find it useful to write their thoughts down so they can truly let them go.  After your head is clear, refocus on what you are doing in that moment – whether that’s having a cup of tea, tidying the house or working. This almost meditative practice will help you to increase focus and enjoy more small pleasures every day.

2.  Set achievable goals

Take one of your most common reoccurring negative thoughts and convert that into a realistic goal. For example, if you consistently worry about your finances, you can turn that worry into an achievable goal to save more money. To work toward this goal, you might set a strict weekly budget for meals or set a monthly savings goal for how much money you would like to put in the bank. Taking negative thoughts and channeling them into realistic goals puts you in control and in a position to change your life.

3. Look outside of yourself

When you get wrapped up in negative thoughts, you forget those around you and how much you have to be thankful for. Show your gratitude to friends, loved ones, or neighbors by reaching out with a personal thank you note or by doing something kind for them. Sign up to volunteer time at your children’s school or for a local organization in your community. Prioritize your free time and energy around engaging with others and give thanks for these relationships daily. Spending time with others can help you to gain perspective and realize how insignificant many of your perceived problems are.

For more advice about positive thinking and finding happiness in your life, stay tuned to the Laurie Marsden blog. Laurie is a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to helping women find what makes them truly happy.