It’s easy to latch on to a negative thought, cuddle it, and let it lead the way for days, months, or even years. Sometimes, it’s possible to hold on to negativity so tightly that it becomes commonplace, a sense of normalcy.

Professionals have come to the conclusion that our brains—on a subconscious level, at least—are incapable of not thinking. Thoughts constantly flow through the brain, influencing our every action.

As children, positive thoughts take the spotlight in our minds. (Have you ever met a 4-year-old who doesn’t like a painting they created?) As the years march on, our brains learn to entertain and hold on to fears, doubts, and self-deprecating thoughts. Giving too much power to these negative thoughts limits us in all aspects of life.

Is there a way to turn negativity into positivity, to become like the positive-thinking child version of ourselves again? Here are some suggestions that can help with that.

Replacing. When a negative thought creeps into your mind, replace it with a positive one. For example, if a negative thought about the high gas prices enters your mind, focus on the good that comes from putting gas in your car, like convenience and mobility.

Seeking. There’s a lot of negativity around us; you don’t have to look far to find it. But that doesn’t mean you have to dwell on it. Making the conscious decision to seek the good in every situation can help create a positive mindset. You can find positivity by thinking about something positive and letting it fill your mind.

Gratitude. Making a daily practice of thinking about five things for which you’re grateful can go a long way in creating positivity. It won’t take long to do it and the rewards can have long-lasting effects. Give it a try.

Change. The way you think is directly related to how you see yourself and your surroundings. Dwelling on the negative in yourself and your surroundings only leads to a negative mindset. With practice, changing the mental images you let into your mind from negative to positive is possible. Here are some ways to do it:

• Turn big obstacles into smaller “challenges.”
• Understand that dwelling on positive thoughts is a choice.
• Spend time with people who have positive influences on your life.
• Don’t give up after a setback.

On paper, changing from negativity to positivity seems simple and clear, but it’s not for everyone. The key to successfully applying these pointers is persistence. The more you try to embrace positivity, the better able you’ll be to do it.

Imagine the impact positivity can have on a community if it’s present in most of the community’s residents. It can be hard to feel hopeful about that, but everyone can do their part to strive for it. How will you do your part?