Attitude impacts the way we behave in all aspects of our daily routine. It is the predisposition that encapsulates the essence of what we say, what we do, and how we feel. Under this umbrella, attitude is the engine that drives our responses and influences how we perceive the people, things, and experiences most immediate to us.
Emotions or mood may be fleeting, but your attitude is grounded in your lifetime experiences and core values. The connection by which your attitude impacts your behavior can make or break you. If your attitude is positive, you will have the determination to seek and achieve new opportunities. Your “can do” attitude will make you a winner. Conversely, a negative attitude will produce quite the opposite effects.
Attitudes fall within a spectrum of positive to negative. They can be characterized by the following attributes.
People with positive attitudes tend to be optimistic, confident, motivated, self-directed, persistence, creative, and passionate.
People with negative attitudes tend to be skeptical, pessimistic, distrustful, unenthusiastic, disheartened, and contemptuous.
How would you describe your overall attitude? On the continuum of a positive to negative attitude, where would you plot yours?
If you aspire to enjoy better health, wealth, and happiness, take a step back to identity how you might make some changes. To help with the process, here are some pivotal ways to improve your attitude.
(1) Be forward thinking.
Look towards the future to formulate where you aspire to be and how you plan to get there.
(2) Act with intent.
Be persistent in your pursuit of what you want to achieve despite any obstacles that might get in your way.
(3) Make it fun.
Approaching whatever you do with optimism will increase the likelihood of doing it well, more efficiently, and with less stress.
(4) Find role models.
Observe how people with positive attitudes handle themselves and draw upon their strengths to improve who you are.
(5) Build relationships.
Socialize with the kind of people who bring out the best in you and motivate you to aim high and achieve more.
(6) Play the role.
Whenever you start losing traction, try playing the part of someone with a more optimistic outlook. It just might help to make it come true.
(7) Never quit learning.
Not only does learning provide knowledge, but it will keep your performance skills competitive in today’s changing world.
(8) Believe you can.
A little confidence in yourself can go a long way, so start believing that you can, and you will.
Attitude matters. It is the direct link to your success in life. And while others can alter your behavior, only you have the power to adjust your attitude.
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Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living
Patricia K. Flanigan has worked in higher education for over 28 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne as well as a M.A. in Latin American Studies and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before retiring and moving to Idaho in 2015, she served as the dean of online education and learning resources at Saddleback College, a large community college in Southern California. She currently consults in higher education, volunteers for AARP, writes for a local magazine, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University and a contributing member to LEARN Idaho. Since February 2017, she has been the founding director for Smart Strategies for Successful Living, a community-based website designed to promote quality aging. As an educator, her focus is to inspire others to live and age well.
Related Resources
Attitudes and Behavior in Psychology: CLICK HERE
Source: verywellmindWhy Attitude Is Important and 11 Tips for Maintaining a Positive Attitude: CLICK HERE
Source: IndeedWhat are the Benefits of a Positive Attitude: CLICK HERE
Source: trvstThe Power of Attitude: CLICK HERE
Source: Focus 3
