Attitude Makes the Difference!!

Having a positive attitude and outlook will help you live a happier, healthier, and more successful life!

People with positive attitudes believe in themselves and in their abilities. They expect the best to happen, and when they encounter difficulties, they look for constructive ways to solve their problems.

Regardless of how others view life, you can be a positive, happy person by choosing to do so.

You can’t control what others say or do, nor can you control everything that happens around you. But you can control your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

 “Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Think Positively

Think for yourself

Don’t allow other people’s thinking dictate how you think. Choose to think positively. Be the kind of person who sees a glass as half full, not half empty.

Practice positive self-talk

We all have a voice inside our head, and when things aren’t going well, that voice can be negative and critical. You can help yourself become more a more positive person by using positive “self-talk”.

Instead of “I’m no good at math” say, “I’m smart. I can do this.”

Visualize success

Sports psychologists teach athletes to envision themselves making free throws, back somersaults, or 10-foot putts. You can do the same. When faced with a challenge, “mentally practice” by envisioning the situation and the steps required to accomplish your goals. Then visualize yourself succeeding.

“If you say you can or you can’t, you are right either way.” ~ Henry Ford

Look to those you admire

Identify people you admire. When faced with a difficult or challenging situation, ask you self how that person would respond.

Have a Positive Attitude

Have confidence in your strengths

You are a unique individual with many strengths and talents. Identify your abilities, talents, and strengths, and look for ways to nurture and develop them. Believe in yourself and in your ability to succeed.

“To succeed, we must first believe that we can.” ~ Michael Korda

Accept that you are a work in progress

If you tend to be hard on yourself, cut yourself some slack. Appreciate your strengths, and identify those qualities you’d like to improve. Now one is perfect. Just strive to do and be your best.

Be willing to try new things

Challenge yourself, stretch your boundaries, and look for new experiences. Have a “can do” attitude and expect to succeed.

Be flexible

A key to maintaining a positive attitude is to understand that things don’t always go as planned. When plans go awry, don’t get upset or panic. Keep a positive mindset, react constructively, and adapt.

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~ Max Planck

Take Positive Actions

Do what you love

Find activities that are fulfilling and satisfying. Better yet, find something to be passionate about.

Surround yourself with positive people

Seek out friends who are supportive, positive, and encouraging. Avoid people who are negative or self-destructive.

Practice random acts of kindness

Pay someone a compliment or lend someone a hand. Do a chore or help out a classmate without being asked. Submit a positive tweet/snapchat/post/blog about a teacher/parent/friend. Submit a positive online review when you receive good customer service.

Achieve balance

Work to achieve balance in your life – school, work, family, friends, and hobbies. Be sure to also set some time aside to be alone.

Be true to yourself

Try to always act in accordance with your values.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Ways to Cultivate Happiness

• Spend time with friends and family. Most of us get our greatest joy from the connections we have with others

• Exercise. When you exercise, your body releases chemical (endorphins) which make you feel good.

• Develop hobbies. Collect, create, or build something. Write poetry, take photos, play an instrument, draw or paint.

• Spend time outside. Listen to the birds, look at the clouds, and watch for wildlife.

• Laugh and smile. Watch a funny YouTube video or talk to someone who makes you laugh.

• Learn something new. Learn how to cook, repair a bicycle, create a web page, or plant a garden.

• Make time for fun and relaxation. Play with a pet, read a good book, watch a movie, or listen to music.

• Adjust your attitude. To be happy, sometimes you just have to act happy.

 “Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~ Abraham Lincoln