Attitude can say a lot about a person. Are they a team player, ready and willing to tackle the next task, and optimistic? Or are they negative, often grumbling or a poor-sport? Which person would you rather work with? Likely the person with a positive attitude. Enjoying your work and having fair compensation can greatly impact your attitude, but it is believed that your attitude is ultimately a choice. Dr, Jim Afremow PH.D, said, “Attitude is defined as a way of looking at or viewing life. This is why attitude has been described as the “control center” of your life. Your attitude is a decision, and it is a learned behavior.” What can we do to improve our attitude and work to having and keeping a positive attitude in our lives?
Focus on the Positive
It’s one thing to say “be positive.” It’s another to live it. Practice what you preach. Positive people show their positivity through their words, actions, and deeds.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Positivity is infectious. Associate with other individuals who are positive thinkers. It will help your mood and approach to situations. People with positive attitudes are respectful, encouraging and kind. Positive individuals are likely to be team players, collaborative, and cooperative.
Celebrate Accomplishments
When you work hard to accomplish a goal or project a sense of pride and relief will likely follow. Celebrate your wins and the wins of others in the workplace. Being a part of a team, means working together toward a common goal of improvement and progress. Don’t just wait to celebrate the big things, celebrate your consistency of showing up each day, the small milestones you take to stretch and improve yourself.
Avoid Negative Self-Talk
We’re complex humans with a full of a range of emotions. It’s okay to have a bad day, but it’s important that even on our low days, to look for the positive. Don’t be hard on yourself and don’t judge your worth based on your level of productivity. Do what you can, be proud of the effort you put in and try again the next day. Remember the golden rule, if you wouldn’t say it to another person, don’t say it to yourself.
Let Go of What You Can’t Control
You can’t control other people’s actions, reactions, or emotions. Maybe you worked hard on a project and a client didn’t like the proposal or the meeting didn’t go as well as you would’ve hoped. It can be easy to dwell on the negativity and hurt, but those feelings won’t serve you. Take the lessons you can learn from the situation, let go, and move forward.
End on a Positive Note
Want to know what you can do to look for the positive in your day? Share a positive accomplishment with a friend or partner or record 3 positive events from the day in your journal. Daily recognition of your achievements can help you develop your skills of positivity at work and at home