Your attitude is defined as an expression of favor or disfavor toward a person, place, thing, or event. Our attitude can be good, bad, or indifferent, but regardless of the attitude we carry at any given moment one thing is constant among all humans: Our attitude is what we make it. Yes, we actually do choose our attitude, as we can decide at any given moment to be happy, sad, mad, or excited; and the attitude we choose to offer the world is reciprocated back to us in congruent ways. Specifically, this means that if you smile you are much more likely to receive a smile back, but it also means that if show little interest in others, you will likely receive little interest from others in return. Unlike many other human characteristics and attributes not under our control, attitude is something unique in that we control how to feel at any given moment. When we decide to be happy, upbeat, and optimistic, we give ourselves the best chance for mind-body synchrony, improved overall mental health, confidence development, greater motivation, and even stronger resiliency — all qualities consistently found in happy, successful people.
Make it happen
Rather than sit on the sidelines passively waiting for good luck, why not instead make your good fortunes happen? You actually have a lot more control over your happiness and success than you might think, and it all starts with having the right attitude. Is it always easy to see the better side of life, and to smile and engage with others? Absolutely not! But it is possible to do these things, even if it may take a little work. If you are tired of the way things are, tired of not reaching your full potential, and tired of not being more happy, than the “work” necessary to have a positive attitude is really just a minor hurdle when you think about it, and the upside in having a good attitude coupled with the enhanced relations with others is more than worth the effort.
Start each day the way you want the day to start, including doing the things that make you feel good. For some it’s a warm cup of coffee, or playing music, or even simply taking a morning walk — the point is to take control of the way you feel by doing the things you enjoy, which in turn will improve your attitude and chances for happiness and success.
The world returns what we project
The world is a mirror in the sense that others react and respond to the body language and attitude we project at any given moment, and dramatically impacts the types of exchanges we have with others. In fact, you can try this for yourself and see firsthand — begin by portraying a bored, mundane self that averts eye contact, speaks in a soft tone, and displays less-than-inviting body language and watch how others interact with you. Using this type of attitude chances are those around you won’t stick around very long, as they will quickly pick up the vibes from your disinterest in them.
Next, try the opposite attitude, a positive outlook to the world displayed by means of an affable personality, direct eye contact, and an overall interest in others. Chances are when you portray this kind of spirit to the world your exchanges will be far more positive, interactive, and worthwhile.
Final thoughts
The attitude you choose each day has a direct impact on both your physical and mental health, and the good news is you get to make this decision every day. You can choose to be optimistic, see the better side of life, and display a genuine interest in others, and the returns on this kind of positive human interaction are very worthwhile. While it may not always be easy to project a positive attitude, it is possible, and if you want to experience better future results it is an endeavor very much worth the effort.
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