Developing a Positive Mental Attitude

Charles Swindoll said "The longer I live, the more I realise the impact of the attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, or say, or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string that we have and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes."

A positive mental attitude (PMA) is the ultimate attitude for creating a life of happiness. Those who choose to focus on the advantageous benefits that every situation creates, not only do they live happier lives but also are often more successful. 

I believe you can manifest success through a positive mental attitude, opting to concentrate on a positive attitude can change your outlook on life and increase the quality of all things in your being, be they relationships, choices or even just small everyday interactions. 

A PMA is not a quick fix or an easy answer as it requires a constant effort and reinforcement, especially for those for whom it doesn't come naturally, but the rewards in the form of a better lifestyle are well worth the persistence. 

Here are some tips to help you on your way to feeling more positive...

1)  The choice is yours

Your life is the product and result of your choices. You always have (and had) a choice. You can choose to let the current state of the economy bring you down or you can choose to look for opportunities in the face of adversity and challenge. Choose to focus your attention on what you can do and what you will achieve. The way you choose to see the world creates the world you see.

2)  Limit your time in front of the TV 

Instead read a positive book, start a project, pick up a new hobby, spend some quality time with your family, or do something that will enhance your life.  Manage your time around your highest priorities and values.

3)  Build the habit of using positive language

Listen to the words you use. Avoid words like 'always', 'never', 'can’t', 'won’t' and even 'why.' 

Say 'I choose' or 'I want', instead of 'I need' or 'I should' and notice the difference.

4)  Surround yourself with positive people

Surround yourself with people who have a positive influence in your life, people who speak the truth and support you.  Expand your circle of positive influence with people who are further ahead in personal and professional development than you are. Disassociate with negative people who impede your progress. 

5)  Develop a “Givers Gain" mentality

Give away what you seek without expectation or measuring. When you seek success, help others to be successful. When you seek happiness, help others to find happiness first.

6)  Invest in yourself

Listen to positive attitude CDs, invest in courses or workshops or attend personal development seminars.  Read books from people like Tony Robbins.  People who write about how you can and will, not why you can’t or won’t.

7)  Let go of anger, resentment and judgement

Hanging on to negative emotions like anger or resentment will drain your energy and hinders you from moving forward to create positive change in your life. The best way to let go of these emotions is to fully acknowledge the feelings associated with the initial negative experience. Honour those feelings and let them go as they no longer serve you, and replace them with something positive. You can still hold on to the lessons learned from the initial negative experience. 

8)  Create positive, realistic expectations and take action 

All too often people try to live up to the expectations of others, such as a parent, a manager or a significant other. Make sure your expectations are congruent with who you really are. You are what you believe, and you become what you expect.  Expect the best, and only the best, from life, from others, and from yourself. Take action on your expectations.

9) Stop believing in what you think is true and start believing in what you really want

Identify and let go of limiting beliefs that no longer support or honour you. Instead develop empowering beliefs that are aligned with your goals, values and your heart’s desire.

10) Take responsibility for your own life

Focus your attention on what you can control: your thoughts, your actions, your behavior, your emotional state and your daily actions and activities. You’re the captain of your own life and are solely responsible for the results and experiences you create. Taking ownership and responsibility for your own life is a freedom and tremendous privilege.

It all starts with your attitude.