Now, more than ever, you need to keep a positive attitude or mindset towards work, life and those around you. In fact, the Center for Public Resources did a national survey and found that 90% of the time people are fired for poor attitudes, inappropriate behavior and poor interpersonal skills rather than deficient job skills.
The importance of a positive attitude is difficult to quantify and yet, here are some things it does for you:
According to the recent study, it helps you keep your job. Important side note: the keyword in that study is “fired,” not “laid-off” or “let go” due to budget cuts. There is a difference between the two and the study stated the word “fired.”
It makes you more effective. Regardless of what type of job you have, the better your attitude, the more you get done. Take a personal survey on that someday and you’ll see it’s true.
Your positive attitude will help those around youeven if it is as simple as a smile that you share with someone who needs one. There are more than enough people in the world that like to grumble and they most certainly affect the world around them. When you look at the two options in this matter, why wouldn’t you do your part to make a positive impact?
The level of service that you provide to customers, both internal and external, improves. An interpersonal skill is how well you get along with those around you. It is easier to show respect to people, listen to their needs and help come up with solutions when you are in a positive mind-set.
You just plain feel better.
You not only appreciate what you have, more often, but those around you will be more likely to show their appreciation towards you.
And the list could go on and on and on. The point is that a positive attitude impacts every single area of your work, volunteer and home life. It is imperative that you understand and embrace that fact.
Start out each day doing something that will help create a positive mindset; you probably have some ideas as to what that would be for you. Use affirmations or keep quotes around your office space to remind you during the day. Use your break time effectively to restore a fresh attitude. Learn to realize what is worth getting worried about and what isn’t. Remember what’s truly important to you and if you have that. Get enough sleep. Surround yourself with positive people. Keep a list of the things you appreciate about your job, in your car, for review each time your commuting back-and-forth. Eat healthy foods. Exercise. Read something inspirational. Listen to music that makes you feel great. Call up a friend you haven’t talked to in some time. Do whatever is needed to ensure a positive, healthy attitude.
There is great uncertainty in this world right now and lots of opportunities to get “downin- the-dumps;” realize the importance of keeping or restoring your mindset to good things. It will not only impact your home life, but as the study states quite clearly, your professional life as well.
Peggy L. McNamara works with organizations that want to Stimulate Some
Action and with association executives that want inspiring, practical
value from their events. Author of “My Tender Soul – A Story of Survival”
Publishes monthly e-zine, “Perpetual Life Management” President/Minnesota
Chapter/ Nat’l Speakers Assoc 651-438-2656 – direct 651-438-2694 – fax
888-269-7771 http://www.peggymcnamara.com
