Life is always challenging, sometimes overwhelming,
and we all struggle to deal with our problems. A positive
attitude best equips us to deal with them
productively. That doesn’t mean being a “Pollyanna,”
but it does put you in a better frame of mind to solve
problems rather than feel victimized. It also helps you
bounce back quicker. Studies suggest, for example,
that cardiac patients with a positive attitude recover
from surgery significantly better than those with a
negative attitude. The mind-body connection is real.
Besides the impact on your physical health, there
are other costs to a negative attitude. Your energy level
decreases; people avoid you so you won’t drag them
down, too; you’re more likely to overlook opportunities,
and less likely to take appropriate risks. Stress
climbs, as does disharmony in your relationships. So
don’t let one incident infect your day or life. A customer
service representative in one of my seminars
wasn’t convinced: “You mean, if I have a nasty customer
first thing in the morning, it’s not her fault that
she ruined my day?” That’s right! Banish that negative attitude by choosing a positive one instead.
by Kathleen Vestal Logan, MS, MA February 25, 2019