Why Is It So Hard To Adopt A Positive Attitude?
Some people have a harder time with this than others. I know – I’m one of those. Mostly, I worry too much or tend to dwell on the worst case scenario.
I’d say one’s upbringing has something to do with this – kids easily pick up on parents’ attitudes about life and look to their parents to “define reality” for them. One kid may be told “don’t climb that tree – you’ll kill yourself,” while another might be told “wow, look how strong you are – you climbed that tree all by yourself.” Genetics might be part of the explanation too. Some psychologists have found that pessimists’ brains seem to be different from optimists’ brains.
But I think one’s attitude about life can be changed with determination and practice. If a bad thing happens to you or anyone else, try to think of something good that can come out of it. If you are worried about what can go wrong, don’t deny your feelings by telling yourself not to worry. List the possible outcomes of a situation and ask yourself, “what’s the worst thing that could happen? Could I live with it? How could I prepare for it?” Sometimes a negative attitude comes from feeling like you can’t control your life. Being prepared and proactive may help you feel more in control and more confident.
FInally, count your blessings. It sounds trite, but it works. Take notice of every little thing that gives you pleasure. When my mother was in a nursing home, dying from Parkinson’s disease, I realized how blessed I was just to be able to sleep in my own bed, get up under my own power, walk to the kitchen of my own home, have a cup of coffee with my family, and look out of my window at the new day.
Never take it for granted. Give thanks. Be happy.
Suggested Reading:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive: 101 Inspirational Stories about Counting Your Blessings and Having a Positive AttitudeEvery cloud has a silver lining. And the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive will encourage readers to stay positive, because there i... Read More >
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Comments on Why Is It So Hard To Adopt A Positive Attitude?
When you are around negative and choose to be negative, pessimistic, sad,etc that is what you’ll get.
You want positive then you have to want to make an effort to change your attitude. Even simple steps will gradually help you break the negative cycle.
Focus on what you want not what you don’t want in your life. Choose your thoughts wisely. Do you want to be happy? Then do not look to anyone or anything for happiness. It all comes from within.
I have a ton more of simple ideas to change your attitude on my website.
You may be surrounded by negative people, and not even realize it. Consider the people you interact with most frequently. Do they encourage you or hold you back? Are they happy and want the same for you? If any of them are controlling, manipulative, angry, jealous, etc. then they may be sucking your energy.
Maybe you were raised with negativity………which breeds negativity.