In this issue, we’ll take a closer look at the primary category of choice that is attitude. The way you manage a consistent and positive, productive mental attitude can determine the level of your success in the future; however, it could be among the biggest challenges of your life. In my professional life, I’ve met only a few individuals who have done a great job in this.
Why is it that attitude management is such a challenge for us?
It’s because a negative mindset and the reflex of protection against anxiety are common human reactions. This is real! If you’re looking for proof, you can look up the news in the evening. About 80% of news is negative or is communicated in a negative tone. It is a sad fact that we’re more at ease when we hear negative stories than positive news.
However, negative thoughts aren’t formed in a single day. We begin to view the world through what we believe is a “healthy” dose of pessimism that protects us from perceived dangers. This protective mechanism of security becomes habitual, and the habit of pessimism can lead to destructive habits of mind.
In this way, you begin to develop negative thoughts. Based on these unproductive thinking patterns, you start to create “comfort zones” for yourself, which hinder your personal progress. In order to reach what’s known as the Next Level, you must get rid of negative thinking patterns that make you be worried about failure or what others might think about you.
A positive attitude can be described by the definition of “a predetermined habit of thought dominated by faith, hope, and positive expectancy.” Being able to manage a positive and effective attitude can be difficult as it’s neither natural nor intuitive. It is essential to develop the ability to maintain a positive mindset by utilizing a systematic approach to managing your attitude. Without it, you’ll be vulnerable to your own naturally negative, instinctual thinking.
How do I get started managing an optimistic attitude?
1) Awareness
A successful change process always begins by gaining awareness. People will make the decision to change when they know that their choice is in their best interests! The first step to growing is becoming aware since, with a greater degree of consciousness, you will be able to make choices that will promote positive mindsets.
2) Manage Your Thought Habits
Every thought you have throughout your day is positively or negatively oriented. There isn’t a middle or non-neutral thought. Every second of your thought patterns throughout the day aids your growth or your stagnation. When it comes to your thoughts, there is no way to be neutral. Your thinking patterns that define your thoughts either increase your progress or cause your decline. It’s as simple as that!
3) Let fear fall to the curb
Every person is challenged by the fear of being a victim as an instinctual defensive response to any threat perceived. To achieve your goals, you need to grow beyond your current position or job. It is impossible to expand without having to confront new challenges, tasks, and obligations. If you allow your instinctual fears to guide your thoughts, you will ultimately hinder your chances of success by deciding to stop or not take action.
The majority of people who do not succeed failed in any way. They let fear influence their thoughts and then gave up. Fear of risk and fear of the unknown was more important than the desire to be successful.
If you are determined to be successful, utilize your newfound understanding of the reasons why negative thoughts are innate to begin overcoming these negative beliefs. A positive mindset is vital for your progress, success, and accomplishment.