When it comes to your quality of life, attitude is everything! In fact, it could even be said that whatever you focus on the most, you tend to bring into your life, whether by choice or circumstance. Have you ever known someone who had a terrible attitude? Perhaps they were extremely negative and pessimistic and not much fun to be around, or they complained non-stop about how terrible their life was. Did you find it draining to be in their presence? A negative attitude will only make miserable, but everyone around you too!
A positive attitude, on the other hand, turns you into a person that everyone wants to be with; a person that constantly experiences great things, and a person who loves their life! Do you want to be that kind of person? Read on for some easy ways to develop a positive attitude.
1) Do what you love. This applies to hobbies and fun activities, but it also pertains to one of the biggest parts of your life and your work! Do you enjoy your job? Are you spending most of your time on something that makes you feel purposeful and fulfilled? If not, consider exploring other career options and moving toward a job you will love. When you regularly do things that make you happy, you cannot help but feel better about yourself and your life, which fosters a positive attitude.
**For children: It is never too early to start to teach children this principle, encourage them to do things that they love as this will make them feel fulfilled and happier too. Also make the things they have to do fun, make learning fun instead of tedious. Lastly encourage their interests as this can lead them to their future career.**
2) Expect the best, always. It is easy to get into the habit of seeing doom and gloom in every situation, but doing so keeps you forever focused on the negative. Instead, make a conscious decision to expect the best, even if your first impulse is to think negatively. Affirm as often as you can, This is going to work out great! Wonderful things are going to happen today! The more you do it the more you’ll begin to believe it, and the more you’ll begin to experience just that.
**For children:Â Encourage your children to approach situations expecting the best, mindsets affect experience. Children are naturally optimistic, so as parents we can make a conscious effort to continue to encourage them to think positively. Change the phrase “I can’t do that” to “I can try”.**
3) Build yourself up. Think and speak positively to and about yourself every day. Most of us are in the habit of talking down to ourselves, which leaves us feeling hopeless, frustrated and pessimistic. Get into the habit of building yourself up with positive self-talk and positive thoughts. Affirm your good qualities and downplay your negative qualities. Affirm that you are a work in progress; not perfect but great nonetheless!
**For children: Don’t let children label themselves as being bad in anything, like a child saying he or she doesn’t like maths, a child can learn most skills if taught properly. Manage traits of frustration you see in your children and encourage them to continue to work at necessary skills. You should believe in them even more than they believe in themselves.**
4) Build others up. As often as you can, make an effort to encourage, support and compliment the people you encounter each day. That goes for people you know as well as strangers you meet in your daily travels. The more you focus on emphasizing the positive in others the more likable you are going to be, and the better you will feel about yourself too!
**For children:Â teach them to be nice and care for people around them, if they practice caring for people, the more empathetic and caring they will grow up to be**
5) Think strength. The more you worry about your weaknesses and failures the more pessimistic and negative you are going to feel. Instead, consistently affirm your strengths, talents and capabilities. You will end up feeling empowered and in control of your circumstances, which cannot help but improve your attitude!
**For children: There is a healthy way to flip most situations, there is a learning buried in every situation and circumstance. Children should be taught to discuss experiences, the good to be repeated and the not so great not to be repeated. This allows children to have a balanced view on both strengths and weaknesses.**
