One’s attitude is defined as a set way of thinking and feeling about something. So if we were to ask ourselves which of the following do you think has the biggest effect on our happiness, what would our response be?
● Our circumstances
● Our genes
● Our attitude
SOME would choose “circumstances,” perhaps saying, “I would be happy…
● “If only I had more money.”
● “If only I had a great marriage.”
● “If only I had better health.”
In reality, though, attitude often trumps circumstances and genes when it comes to happiness. And that is good news. Why? Because unlike your circumstances or your genes—over which you have little or no control—you can control your attitude.
So what are some things that we can do to improve our attitude? See the following:
1. AVOID PESSIMISM
Be an optimist, don’t look at the glass half empty but rather half full. Taking a grim view of life and people will only mean more work for you. We cannot expect to change people or things but by adopting a good attitude and being optimistic, we are less stressed and can see things from a brighter perspective.
You can confront your pessimistic thoughts and replace them with something positive.
2. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
If you see everything negatively, you will feel “afflicted” and every day will appear “bad,” or gloomy. But if you focus on positive things, you will have “a cheerful heart” and even feel joyful. Ask yourself: ‘Is the situation really hopeless? Have I reached a dead end, or is this merely a roadblock?’ Learn to keep negative thoughts out by concentrating on something constructive.
3. DO THINGS FOR OTHERS
Have you ever heard the saying: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving? Unselfish giving brings deep satisfaction to the giver. Why? Because we were created to do more than simply look after our own. Experiencing the joy of giving can do much to help us cope with negative circumstances in life. If you are giving in hopes of expecting something in return, you will never experience true satisfaction.
The ultimate goal is to care for your attitude in the same way you would cultivate a garden. Root out the poisonous weeds of pessimism and negativity. Sow seeds of realistic optimism, and fertilize your life with actions that produce positive emotions. You will reap an emotional crop that will make your life much more rewarding. And it will confirm the fact that attitude makes a difference.
Alicia Roopnaraine is a Psychologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Psychiatric Department. You can send questions or comments to her at aliciaroopnaraine@gmail.com