Like any part of life, work has its ups and downs. And when work isn’t going well, it is easy to dwell more on the negative, such as assignments that bore you or seem to drag on, long hours, etc. Sure, maybe you can tough it out. Or, you could actively seek out the silver lining by consciously striving to maintain a positive attitude.
Very little, if anything, is gained out of negativity. Conversely, a positive attitude can improve all aspects of your work life. Those who display and maintain a positive attitude tend to see career success, a reduction in stress, tend to be healthier, more motivated and enjoy stronger interpersonal relations — not just in the workplace, but also in life.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a positive attitude at work:
Be a team player. To put it simply, roll with the punches. Part of being a team player is shouldering assignments or work you do not find enjoyable, but are necessary for the greater good of the team and your company. The key is to recognize that greater good and your part in making it happen instead of focusing only on the inconvenience to you.
Avoid complaining. Complaining is just about the biggest waste of time and energy out there. Every second spent complaining is a second that could be spent improving. Besides, no one likes a complainer. If you have an issue, think of a solution before you bring it up in discussion. You will feel better for taking the initiative and others will be glad you didn’t just turn to them for the solution.
Turn problems into opportunities. When faced with a problem, take the “glass half full” approach. Problems are inevitable, especially in the workplace. So brace for impact and focus on the good that can come out of solving a problem. By looking at a problem as a learning opportunity, you will learn how to better solve future problems.
Focus on the good, not the bad. It’s easy to ignore the good and focus on the bad because the good is what we want, where the bad sticks out more since it is unwanted. Try making a list of all that you enjoy about your job and your work environment. Then consult this list on a regular basis to help remind yourself that the good typically far outweighs the bad.
Stay healthy and well rested. The human body is a machine, no different from a car. It needs to be maintained properly in order to run well. You would be amazed at how much of an influence poor diet and lack of exercise has on your attitude. Eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and finding a slice of time to exercise will go a long way in improving your attitude and outlook, which in turn will improve your work life.
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