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Positive Thinking Day

Make Positive Thinking Day a day to remember - focus on the good, be thankful and spread kindness!

Sunday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 13

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYSelf-Care

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On September 13, it's time to celebrate Positive Thinking Day! This day was created to recognize the power of positive thinking and its ability to transform lives. From improving physical health, boosting mental clarity and increasing productivity, there are countless ways that having a positive outlook on life can help us achieve our goals. So why not take some time out of your day to focus on the good in life? Celebrate Positive Thinking Day by meditating, writing down what you're grateful for or simply being thankful for the present moment.

TIMELINE

Positive Thinking Day Timeline

Birth of Positive Psychology

As a component of the burgeoning field of psychology, concepts embedded in positive thinking begin forming during the late 19th century.

Napoleon Hill's Influence

Napoleon Hill publishes "Think and Grow Rich," a seminal book in the self-help genre that emphasizes positive thinking as a core principle for success.

Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking"

Norman Vincent Peale publishes "The Power of Positive Thinking", popularizing the concept of positivity leading to better life outcomes.

Positive Psychology Gains Recognition

The first world congress on positive psychology takes place, leading to the discipline gaining greater acceptance within the global psychology community.

Positive Thinking Day Established

Positive Thinking Day is established and celebrated for the first time on September 13.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Positive Thinking Day

Write down positive affirmations

Take some time to write down a few positive things about yourself and your life that you can look back on when you need a reminder of how great you are.

PRACTICE

Practice gratitude

Take a few minutes to reflect on all the things you are grateful for in your life. It could be as simple as being thankful for the roof over your head and the food on your plate.

FOCUS

Focus on positive people

Surround yourself with people who have a positive outlook on life. They can help you stay motivated and keep a positive mindset.

START

Start a gratitude journal

Taking some time each day to write down what you are grateful for can help you stay focused on the good in your life, rather than the bad.

TREAT

Treat yourself

Do something nice for yourself - buy yourself something nice, take yourself out for a treat, or just take some time to relax and enjoy the moment.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Positive Thinking Day is Important

It improves resilience

Focusing on positive outcomes rather than negative ones helps build up resilience. It allows you to see setbacks or mistakes as opportunities for growth - instead of sources of failure or shame. No matter how tough the situation is, a positive outlook will always be there to carry you through!

It encourages optimism

Positive thinking has the power to boost your mood, increase motivation and productivity, and generally make life more enjoyable! On Positive Thinking Day, take the time to focus on the good and be grateful for the things in your life. It's easy to get caught up in negativity, but remembering to think positively can make all the difference.

It helps create goals

Positive Thinking Day is a great excuse to put away negative thoughts and set new achievable objectives. When you are feeling optimistic and motivated, it's easier to brainstorm ideas and come up with practices that help you achieve what you want. Positivity will give you the drive it takes to push yourself even farther.