If you’re part of an office or another social environment, you’ve probably noticed some people who always seem to be happy or sad, quiet or outgoing or who exhibit any other number of personality traits. One of the most helpful attributes to have for success in business and in life is a positive attitude.
So, you might ask, how can I keep a positive attitude? It’s not something that you are just born with, necessarily. Most of us have to work really hard at keeping a good attitude about work, life, and everything in between. Even if you have a naturally sunny disposition, there are days where nothing goes right and it’s hard to keep yourself thinking positive thoughts.
Keep on the Sunny Side
One way to stay upbeat is to surround ourselves with people and things we love. If you live in a windowless, gloomy cell, it’s probably hard to keep a good perspective on things. Compare this to someone who lives on a sunny island by the sea, with large picture windows overlooking the beautiful view. While you may not be able to relocate your desk to a tropical paradise, you can make small changes to brighten up your environment. Most offices now let employees decorate their workspaces with photos, and other fun and meaningful personal objects. Take advantage of the opportunity!
Who we surround ourselves with is as important — if not more so. We’ve all met difficult people who seem intent on creating unnecessary drama or who just seem to drain the energy out of a room with their negativity. When possible, avoid these people. If you can’t do that, master the art of dealing with them more effectively.
Finally, make plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself. The stresses of life take their toll on our resilience. Giving ourselves a chance to recharge our batteries can give us a headstart on that sunny disposition!
Keep Moving Forward
Nothing can drain our positivity faster than feeling we’re stuck in a rut. After all, if you work and work, and never accomplish anything, why would you have anything but a negative viewpoint? Having something to work toward makes a difference. People who feel they have a purpose in life tend to have a more positive outlook. So set goals for your life, and then develop a plan for achieving those goals. Pay attention to your progress and celebrate your victories. In the words of the iconic Walt Disney, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Dream big.
Deal with the Doubters
Imagine where we would be if all the great innovators now and in the past had listened to all the people who said, “It can’t be done,” and had just given up on their inventions, their hopes, and dreams. Henry Ford famously said, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” I’m sure if he had just given up, our way of life would be a lot different. Ford knew that to be a success, you have to fail and then keep on trying.
Positivity is Contagious
Having a good positive attitude helps you have confidence in yourself and in others. When we see others in a good light, it inspires us to want to be involved with them and to nurture their success. If we believe we can do something and work diligently toward our goals, we gain more confidence about our ability to succeed and overcome any obstacles we face. We may not all make $50 billion in our lifetimes, but success isn’t necessarily about money. Having a positive attitude goes a long way toward making you a very successful person.
For inspiring quotes to help you keep a positive attitude, check out Joel Brown’s quotes lists on addicted2success.com.