Everyone has a coworker, a classmate, perhaps even a family member who just grinds their gears, gets under their skin, curdles their milk—you pick. There is just absolutely, positively, undoubtedly nothing redeeming about this person–at least you that’s what you think. But we’re here to help you challenge this notion.

Aside from affecting those on the receiving end of your negativity, constantly viewing people in an unfavorable light is scientifically proven to make you feel less supported, less safe and less motivated.

Improve yourself and the lives of those around you by seeing the good in every gal.

TAKE A STEP BACK

In the fast-paced lifestyle many of us lead, it is easy to be quick to judge, to jump to conclusions. Each time you find yourself practicing this problematic behavior, slow down. Ask yourself why. Based on our brain’s natural negativity bias, it’s easiest to see the bad in others. Challenge this default mode by taking a few extra seconds to reevaluate the validity of your snap judgments and opinions.

CONSIDER THEIR GOOD QUALITIES

Whether you’re gold, orange, blue or green, you’ve got your good qualities and your bad. You might perceive someone as naïve, but they consider themselves optimistic. In the same way, you might think you’re responsible, while others interpret it as uptightness. Make a concerted effort to recognize the good traits people posses, especially the ones you might not have and consequently, not as easily see, because we can assure you, they’re there.

ACKNOWLEDGE OTHERS’ INTENTIONS

Empathy, empathy, empathy. If you speed on your way to work, you’re able to justify it to yourself. If you see someone riding your bumper in the fast lane and then speeding around you, you’re going to assume they’re a jerk. Same behavior, different perspectives. By considering other peoples’ motives behind their actions, you’ll be able to more easily relate to them, which will clear your vision when identifying their good traits.

SEE THE GOOD IN YOURSELF

Many of us see ourselves just as negatively as we view other people. Now, we’re not asking you to get out the rose-colored glasses, but rather learn to accept yourself—flaws and all. If you can acknowledge your shortcomings and own them, you’d be surprised at how seamlessly that mindset translates into how you view others.

Practice seeing the good in others! Comment your favorite thing about your best vina.

(Featured image via theodysseyonline.com)