A quick look at the word attitude in the dictionary reveals several meanings for the word. From the positive and negative orientation of the mind to your posture and the way your body is leaning.

I like the oxford dictionary definition which describes attitude as a settled way of thinking or feeling that is typically reflected in a persons behaviour.

Settled means that it takes time, thinking points to the mind, feeling makes it an emotional thing and its reflection in behaviour means it can be seen in you.

So How Do You Get Your Attitudes?

1. From your personal experiences.
2. From repeated observations of people around you
3. From what people tell you and what you tell your self
4. From your childhood and family upbringing
5. From what you hear and see in the media. The music you listen to and the films you watch.

And Why Do You Need A Positive Attitude.

You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses – Ziggy

With a positive attitude, you suddenly see things differently. Problems are no longer hindrances but challenges to be overcome. You suddenly become aware of new possibilities and you have great hope and optimism about the future. I have trained myself to have a positive mental attitude and I am highly optimistic about my ability to succeed in whatever I do. This does not mean that I succeed in everything, it just means that I take up each challenge with a can do mindset.

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind – William James

With a positive attitude, you are pleasant to be around. Never underestimate the fact that if people like you, they are more likely to employ you or do business with you. And by the way not everyone will like you and not everyone will like what you stand for. A smile will go along way to open the door of peoples heart to your cause. So will the principle of seeking first to understand before being understood.

Every exit is an entry somewhere – Tom Stoppard

Here Are 5 Keys To Unlock The Positive Attitude In You.

#1. You can choose your attitude in advance

This means you are internally motivated and will not allow you attitude to be affected by the events going on around you. I find it difficult to understand how the weather can be miserable. I can understand it being wet, cold with a gray cloud cover but not miserable.

#2. Demonstrate humour, energy and enthusiasm

There is always humour in everything. Find it and then have a laugh. Increase the pace at which you walk. Let your enthusiasm for life show in everything that you do.

#3. Stay away from negative influence

Bad news travels fast and so does negative influences and attitudes. You are more likely to share your bad experience about a company with someone than your good experiences. Here is a good warning. Steer clare of people who drag other people down. They are likely to pull you down as well. Find people with a positive attitude to be around

#4. Be a can do person

Be a solution to peoples problems.

Every exit is an entry somewhere.” – Tom Stoppard

Understand that life or government does not owe you anything. Life is going to put obstacles in front of you. Put on your creative problem solving hat and find the opportunity to grow and advance in every challenge.

#5. Embrace change

Expect it and accept it. There is no point in trying to resist change. Change is a fact of life. The cells in your body are changing, how we do business is changing and how we communicate is rapidly changing. You just cannot stop it so you might as well embrace it and make the most of it.

 In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. – Eric Hoffer

Be a learner and inherit the earth. Have a positive attitude and go out and have a great life. Leave a comment.