Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out - John Wooden
2011 is upon us and many people are concerned about their lives more than ever. Unemployment is still very high, there are greater demands, higher levels of stress and the economy is showing signs of rebound but is this “the new normal”?
Maintaining a positive attitude is critical to creating the life we want to live in 2011 and beyond. A positive attitude alone won’t create the life you desire but it is the foundation. A positive attitude allows you to enjoy your success.
It’s easy to have a positive attitude when things are going well. In order to maintain a positive attitude through the tough times, you have to work at it.
Here are three strategies to keep your attitude healthy and those irrational stories out of your head.
View setbacks as temporary. Having a positive attitude involves viewing a setback as temporary, while the pessimist sees it as permanent. A setback requires remaining focused and seeing it as a temporary event; something that is limited and that has no real impact on the future. Avoid viewing the setback as a negative event, something permanent, as part of life and destiny. Viewing a setback as a temporary event will allow you to instill and maintain your positive attitude.
Be calm. People with positive attitudes have an ability to be objective and unemotional when caught up in the storms of life. Focus on talking to yourself in a positive and optimistic way, keeping your mind calm, clear and completely under control. You will find yourself more relaxed and capable of interpreting events more realistically and less emotionally. As a result, you will be far less likely to be angry, upset, or distracted.
Be productive. Many people are “half stepping it” in life today. They do just enough to get by. I once heard that recessions restore resourcefulness. Successful people know that when things go wrong, they are usually caused by a variety of external events. Focus on saying to yourself, “What can’t be cured must be endured,” and then get back to working on your goals.
Life is not about surviving, it’s about living. We all have the power and ability in us to overcome anything we are facing.
Discipline yourself not to fall into the trap of negativity. Choose to view reality with a positive approach and a strong belief in yourself. This is a time for your breakthrough! This is your time!
