The Power of Positivity

Welcome to 2017! A new year signals a new beginning. As is customary, the New Year is a time to make resolutions, to promise ourselves that we will make a change in some way, shape or form. It is a commitment we vow ourselves to adhere to. Yet all too often, we fail to follow through with our resolutions. The positivity, motivation and determination with which we make our resolutions seem to disappear once life goes back to the daily grind. We slip back into our old habits and ways, and whilst life around us continues to change, we remain entrenched in the same old mindset.

It doesn’t have to be this way. All that is required is a positive attitude. This positive attitude can work wonders not only in your daily life but also in the workplace. The metaphor of viewing a half filled glass as half empty or half full seems clichéd, but actually makes a lot of sense. Challenges in life are inevitable but they can be dealt with if only we maintain a positive attitude in order to deal with them. However constantly upholding a positive attitude is easier said then done. There is a fine line between optimism and fantasy and between pessimism and reality. Life needs to be balanced and a positive attitude helps one achieve that.

• In order to develop and maintain a positive attitude, a few simple steps can be taken. These can be practiced in the workplace and in every aspect of life.
• Firstly assess the situation –  Take a step back in order to view it from an unbiased point of view, without letting your emotions cloud the reality. This allows you to think clearly instead of reacting instantly.
• Look at both sides of the situation – Put yourself in the other person’s shoes without jumping to any conclusions. Look at the circumstances of the actions that were taken and try to understand why it happened.
• Decide your course of action – In order to determine what to do next, weigh the consequences of your possible actions. Be rational but also true to your emotions. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, be honest with yourself first and confide your feelings honestly to yourself or even to a trusted person.  
• Believe in yourself – Do not avoid facing the situation. Often people fear facing difficult situations, which creates anxiety, frustration and stress. Instead it is better to get it over and done with once a reasonable course of action has been decided. When approaching the situation be calm and composed which will allow you to make rational decisions and reactions.
• Forgive and move on – Once the situation has been dealt with, move on in life. If you are at fault then apologize, and if not then forgive the other person. Learn from the situation and remember not to let the same mistakes repeat again.  This will make you stronger as a person.

This can be practiced in any and every situation, be it in the workplace or in personal life. A positive attitude is beneficial not only in difficult situations but also results in creating harmonious relationships, better mental health, and a happier self. It helps to cultivate inspiration, respect and love, creative thinking, motivation, energy, and an optimistic frame of mind. A positive attitude is also contagious so when you stay happy and positive, the ones around you are also more likely to be influenced into optimism. Positivity has the power to change lives so focus on the things that matter.

2017 has just started. If you haven’t made a resolution yet, then make one today. Choose to develop and maintain a positive attitude this year and see how your life changes.