MENTAL CHANGES
Mental change can help to change a negative attitude to a positive one. The following are some of those mental changes:
- Literally, take control of your brain and force yourself to find something positive about a person or situation. A person I know has been going to college on and off for six years in order to get a library science degree. During her last year of school she developed a problem with her eyes and became partially blind. Her vision was limited so much that she could not read. Most people would have given up and quit school, but she went on to learn braille and is pursuing a career as a teacher and librarian for the blind. She didn’t quit. She took control and did something about the situation.
- Stop living in the past or dwelling on the future. The present is here and now, so don’t miss a minute of it. The past cannot change, but you control the present and that affects the future. Make the best of it. Although this may seem like a simple paragraph in an eBook, it is one of the most important things that you can ever master for happiness and a great attitude through life. Learn how to live in the “Now” for increased happiness and positive attitude. Check out this YouTube video by Eric Tran of Oprah Winfrey interviewing Eckhart Tolle about the Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle Interview With Oprah The Power of Now YouTube, to truly realize the power of living in the moment!
- Avoid negative words like “can’t” or “won’t”. Using the words “can” and “will” gives your brain a shift and you will actually start to think in a positive manner. There is something to that children’s story, “The Little Train that Could”. In the story the little train experienced a big hill and he made it up that hill just by saying the iconic words, “I think I can,” over and over again and never giving up! I can’t tell you how many successful people have been superstars just because they just never gave up. They never gave up on a play, they never gave up on a day, they never gave up on their beliefs, they never gave up on themselves and they just kept on pushing forward. Some people call it heart, others will, and other tenacity, but what it all boils down to is developing an unwavering belief in yourself and your goals and then just moving towards them every day while never giving in. Some days will be better than others, but that desire to keep moving forward is something all the great ones throughout history have had.
- Many people have a hard time accepting change, but without change life would be very boring. Accept change and make a new strategy. Remember when things change, there is always an opportunity for great success for those who look for it.
- The power of attitude is not always understood. Negative attitudes foster anxiety, anger, bitterness and envy. When those emotions take hold, you might make some negative decisions that can affect your life adversely. If you choose to remain positive, the likelihood of making a decision that can enhance your life is very good. When you have a positive attitude, your reactions tend to be positive. If your child is misbehaving, you will tend to handle the situation with more compassion and with more kindness if you have a positive attitude. The same holds true for a variety of other situations that may come up in your life.
WATCH OUT FOR NEGATIVITY
The following items are things you need to watch out for in order to keep positive and to not slip into a negative thought or action:
- The brain has a habit of slipping negative thoughts into your head. Ignore them. It is natural to have worries, but you do not have to dwell on them. If you do, they tend to look more serious than they really are.
- Find the silver lining. Always try to find something good. Maybe Uncle Pete has a problem with alcohol, but maybe he is also a kind hearted soul who just needs a little help.
- Remember that sometimes an event that turns out less than what was expected, can still lead to something good. Do the best you can with the situation. I was at a wedding reception held in a park. Part of the reception was held under tents while the other was in an enclosed and very small pavilion. The wind blew up and rain fell in sheets causing all the guests to pile in the crowded pavilion. Then the electricity went out. The bride and groom took it in stride. Candles were lit and some other friends lit the area with their cell phones. The food was served and was mostly hot and the guitarist from the band pulled out his acoustic guitar and we still could dance. It was all very romantic and quite beautiful.
- Lighten up! Avoid taking yourself so seriously. If you lessen your ego, you become less paranoid and enjoy life more.
- Accept trials and tribulations; they make us what we are. Do you think you would learn without having difficulties? Anything worth having has to be worked for or fought for. Learning to deal with a difficult boss gives you the ability to become a great leader if only to learn what not to do.
A study conducted at Stanford Research Institute showed 87.5 percent of success comes from attitude and a mere 12.5 percent from knowledge and abilities. Attitude has great power and changing from a negative attitude to a positive one will have more influence than is comprehensible. The famous saying is more true than you can imagine “It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch.”
To be more positive, check out this very old Italian proverb which states, “Since the house is on fire, let us warm ourselves.” Sure, the house is burning down, but at least we are warm.