A positive
attitude is key to a successful life, so what happens when things go wrong? We
have a tendency to let our attitudes take a dive along with our state of
affairs. But life is going to deal setbacks, both minor and major, on a regular
basis, and if we are going to be successful, we need to know how to keep our
attitudes intact.
We need practical
tools to help us understand how we can keep our attitudes up when the
circumstances are down. Here are some thoughts to help us do so:
1. Take
some time away.
You know
what happens. You’re going about your day and everything seems to be going well,
when out of nowhere, disaster strikes. All of your best-laid plans begin to
tumble. Sometimes circumstances surprise us and we react—and, unfortunately,
this often compounds the problem, because by reacting, we tend to operate out
of our weaknesses instead of our strengths. We make decisions that are not well
thought out. We function with a bad attitude that says, “I can't believe this
is happening!
The next
time life turns against you, take some time to just step back from the problem
and think. This will enable you to rationally deal with the issue at hand,
instead of emotionally reacting. It will allow you to put your state of mind
back in its proper place. It will give you the opportunity to choose your
attitude as you face the circumstances at hand. Remember that you don't have to
do something right now. Go grab a cup of coffee and relax. You are in
control—not the circumstances.
If you find
yourself getting down about circumstances, sit down and write out what your
goal is, and give some thought to how you can achieve it. Make sure you’re
keeping the important things important.
A man was
asked how he was doing and he responded, "Pretty well, under the
circumstances." The other man asked, "What are you doing under the
circumstances?" Good question. We shouldn't be under the circumstances. We
should be focused on the goal and moving forward.
Focus
on solutions, not problems.
Negative circumstances
don't sit idly by—they scream for our attention. When we face difficult
circumstances, we tend to dwell on them. We talk about them, fret about them
and give them way too much attention.
Instead of
talking about problems, talk about solutions. Instead of spending your time
thinking about how bad things are, think about how good they will be! Don't
have family or staff meetings about the problems and how big they are; have
meetings on the solutions and how you will implement them. Don't let yourself
or other team members complain; encourage them to solve, with an emphasis on
the positive results that will come from doing so. Then take some time to put
these solutions down on paper so you can monitor your progress.
Get
some positive input.
The mind
tends to build on itself, so when we begin to go in one direction (like
worrying), it can be a slippery slope. One thing we must do is get our thoughts
back on track with positive ideas.
When
circumstances have you against the emotional wall, meet with a friend who can
encourage you. Pick up a good book and read. Whatever external influence you
can get to put your attitude back on the positive side of the tracks—do it! It
must be one of our first goals to start plugging good things into our minds to
power our attitudes.
Tell
yourself the good.
One of the
greatest internal powers we have is the power to control our thoughts. Spend
time dwelling on the good things about your life or career instead of the
problems. Think about positive things—things that you enjoy and that give you a
sense of happiness and peace. There is an old childhood song that says,
"Count your blessings—name them one by one." That’s great advice! Let
your positive attitude develop from within as well as from without. This makes
all the difference!
Remember that circumstances are not forever.
Sometimes
it seems like we are going to be up to our eyeballs in the situation forever,
when in reality, “this too shall pass.” There will be a time in the future when
circumstances will change and you will be on the mountain instead of in the
valley. This will give you a sense of hope as you live and work that will
change your attitude, make you feel better and put you on the fast track for
growth.
Expand your
knowledge and enlighten your mind with tools to help you excel in your
professional and personal life. Work with a Business and Life Management Coach
and Book a Complimentary Coaching Session at http://www.denisedema.com
