A Postive Attitude: It's Contagious

A positive attitude is contagious. I understand you have probably heard that line many times before but think of it this way; how often do you feel better when you come across those who are pleasant, happy and willing to share the same feelings? How many times have you sat through an assembly, program or speech where the person speaking was positive, energetic and could transfer that energy to the crowd? Chances are, you’ve come across those who maintain a positive attitude and felt that attitude was contagious.

Being positive may not always be easy but can make the environment you are in more pleasant and enjoyable. For example, one of the reasons I enjoy going to Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub in Twinsburg and Independence is because the people who work there are always positive and fun to be around. The servers enjoy talking to the patrons, they take time to know the people they are serving and makes the atmosphere inside the place more enjoyable. It’s apparent the positive attitude the employees have spreads to the people eating the awesome food inside the restaurants and makes for a great dining experience. The business they are in is not always easy to have a positive attitude in but the friendliness and positive feelings the employees have becomes contagious inside the restaurant.

Even though there are times in which being positive can be difficult, taking a lighter view can help get you through the process. Let’s say you are a college student and have a 20 page paper to write. Writing the 20 page paper may not be easy to do, does not sound like fun and may be boring but how you choose to handle the experience can make a difference. Instead of taking a “this will never get done” attitude, try taking an “I will get this done attitude.” Create a step-by-step plan to finish the paper in sections, set deadlines for yourself and believe in yourself that it can be done and you will do a good job. This will help you stay motivated during the process, help you feel better about yourself and give you a positive way to channel the anxiety of writing the paper. Taking a positive approach to a difficult situation is not always easy but can be done.

When thinking of taking a negative attitude towards a situation, think of the times you have come across others who weren’t pleasant or nice when they needed to be. How many times have you gone into a coffee shop, retail store, etc. and the person assisting you acted as if he or she didn’t care or didn’t want to be there? How did you feel when you walked away? What impression did that person leave? This negative attitude obviously came across and left you with a negative experience. Remember how this experience felt and ask yourself if that is the impression you want to leave one someone else.

While there may be instances in which taking a positive attitude is not easy, possessing a positive vibe can be contagious to those around you and leave a great impression.