I am a big believer in positive thinking. I use it, I train clients to use it, and I have written about its benefits for more than a decade. Positive thinking can help you make changes that will benefit you in many ways. I really can’t say enough good things about it.
But over the years, I have become aware that even positive thinking might not be enough to help some people make the changes they desire. The trick here is to get out of your head and start taking positive action.
Rather than just keeping the positivity to yourself, you need to share it. Having a positive influence on those around you will change the way you feel. Just doing this can make you a happier person, even if you are dealing with very difficult issues.
Taking action means doing things that are good for you and never doing anything that could harm you. That means if you have been ill and not strong enough to go for a run or even a walk, you need to wait until you are well before you start exercising. What you can do in the meantime is work with a physical therapist to help you get stronger in a gradual and healthy way.
The same principle holds true if you want to lose weight. We all know crash diets don’t work. You have to approach your goal gradually and give yourself the time your body needs to react to your new healthy and balanced diet.
If you suffer from depression or anxiety, getting out of the house, even to the mall, will help you deal with these conditions. 
One of the most difficult parts of dealing with anxious or depressive moods is our tendency to ruminate, letting the same negative thoughts keep spinning around in our brains. Getting rid of the negative thoughts by doing something fun can help break this cycle.
Taking action also means doing what you can to keep your family and social connections strong. When you’re struggling, outside observers can give you direction that will help you deal with whatever you’re confronting. 
Often, the people around us see things we don’t, especially when we are unhappy. Remember, it is always wise to take some time to consider the potential outcomes of any advice before taking action.
Doing new things creates positive chemicals in your brain, which makes you feel better about life and closer to your loved ones. The holidays are a great opportunity to do new things. 
If you never have taken a drive to look at the holiday lights in your neighbourhood, this would be a good time to give it a try.
Taking positive action makes things and people better. It’s that simple, and all you have to do is take the first step.

*Dr Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist in Westlake Village, California, is the author of The Happy Couple: How to Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time. Follow his daily insights on Twitter at @BartonGoldsmith, or e-mail him 
at Barton@bartongoldsmith.com