Attitudes are contagious…IS YOURS WORTH CATCHING? We can all benefit from having a more positive attitude at work – and in our personal lives. Have you ever noticed how the people in your company who have the best attitudes also seem to have the most friends? It’s no coincidence. People want to be around those who make them feel good about themselves…a natural side effect of possessing a generally sunny disposition.

Have you ever worked with someone who was always pointing out that something is wrong or won’t work, but never seems to come up with an alternative? Annoying isn’t it? Negativity sucks the life force from those around you. So even when you are choosing not to feel particularly positive, focus on what really matters – showing respect to your fellow human beings. You’re part of a team and your attitude matters. A little effort goes a long way.

Not surprisingly, a recent survey listed a negative attitude as the 5th most limiting career habit. Now, to be clear, voicing a different opinion or saying ‘no’ isn’t fundamentally ‘bad’. In fact, it is often necessary to keep the business moving forward or running smoothly.  The trick is in how you deliver your opinion. When done in an abrupt or harsh manner you’ll come off as negative to others. But when done kindly, stating facts before your feelings you can find a gentle, effective and often joyful way to get the job done.

It’s vital that you keep in mind that the workplace is a living, breathing organism and everyone there contributes to it. Having a negative attitude brings everyone down. Realize things are seldom as bad as you think they are. Research shows that only 8% of the things we worry about are worth being alarmed about. People with positive attitudes know this and don’t waste their time worrying or getting themselves worked up. Instead they expend their energy on more productive activities.

There are a lot of benefits to having a positive attitude at work, such as:

• The ability to inspire and motivate yourself and others
• Better coping skills in stressful situations
• The ability to make less than perfect circumstances into better ones
• Your positive attitude will catch on making work a more pleasant place to be
• A stronger immune system
• A talent for bouncing back from set-backs

Want to get a positive attitude for yourself?

• Smile and laugh often – it’s very powerful and relaxes your whole body
• Expect the best
• Develop a habit of using only positive language
• Eat healthy and get regular exercise
• Look for the good in every situation – especially the tough ones!
• Take responsibility for your own life
• Perform your job with passion and enthusiasm
• Always say thanks, acknowledge a job well done and celebrate successes – even the small ones.