A positive attitude goes a long way

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. William Morrissey
  • 749th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --   In today's high operations tempo, it is important that we all have a positive attitude. A positive mindset anticipates happiness and joy, leading to good health and a successful outcome to situations and actions.

Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the subject nonsense. Others ignore people who believe and accept it. All of us can influence or affect, in one way or another, the people we live, work or meet with on a daily basis. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level. Is it any wonder we want to be around positive people and avoid negative ones?

A positive attitude is simply an inclination or leaning toward the positive aspects of any situation. Thinking positively is not putting one's head in the sand, nor is it being unrealistic. A positive attitude recognizes the negative aspects of a situation, but chooses to focus instead, on the good aspects offered within every situation.

People are more disposed to help us if we are positive. They dislike and avoid anyone spreading negativity. It's important that we use positive words and body language in our inner dialogues, emails or when talking with one another. Smile a little more, tell a joke to help create a positive attitude and atmosphere. Disregard feelings of negativity or a desire to give up. If you are persistent, you can transform your thinking, and others as well.

A positive attitude manifests itself in many ways such as creativity, optimism, motivation, self-esteem and confidence - these are just a few of the benefits. Positive thinking leads to happiness and success and can change your life in a healthy way. If you look at the bright side of things, your attitude can affect not only you and the way you look at the world, but also your environment and the people around you.

If strong enough, positive thinking becomes contagious. Try to change your attitude even when it's not popular. Be encouraged by the knowledge that the first step toward a positive attitude and positive thinking is to simply think another thought. You control your thoughts. Your pessimistic way of thinking is a habit, and habits can be changed. Your attitude determines your latitude. Some of the most successful people in the world did it with the power of a positive attitude.