There’s a reason we have so many sayings about maintaining positivity: “Every cloud has a silver lining.” “It’s an ill wind that blows no good.” “Reframe challenges as opportunities.” “Somethings good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” We throw these sayings around to fight off the demons of negative self-talk, worry, and depression. They help you “Just Keep Swimming” as Dory said from the movie Nemo, pushing toward maximum productivity with a song in your heart and a spring in your step.

I’m sure a few of the curmudgeonly among you will greet that statement with rolled eyes and a “Hrmph,” but give it a try. As one of my mentors used to say, “Everything’s difficult until it’s easy.” It may sound simplistic, but it’s deeper than you think. It’s no newsflash that you get better at something the more you work at it, but this doesn’t just apply to tasks. It also works for ways of thinking. The more you try to think positively, the more positively you’ll think. Here are just a few ways to help rewire your brain toward positivity.