Positive Influence
Positively Negative
Do you have people in your life who go around telling you or others any of the following:
“Stop being Negative!”
“Why are you so Negative?”
“Your Negative attitude will kill you.”
“Can’t you think of something positive to say?”
“No one wants your Negativity!”
What do all these statements have in common? They are actually very negative, judgmental and critical. The supposedly “positive” person who is harassing you and others to change their negative attitudes is doing so in a very negative way. Demanding change in an unkind way does not in any way improve someone’s attitude.
Positivity Starts with a Smile
How to Cultivate Positivity
How do you really get someone to turn her frown upside down and develop a more positive attitude? Well, you don’t do it by being negative and mean. The last thing that a person who is depressed or feeling down needs is more criticism. Instead, try some of the following:
- Practice what you preach. Rather than judging others and telling them how to think or feel, why not radiate positivity? Be that calm spirit of energy that will attract others to follow your lead. If people see you as truly happy and positive, they will be more attracted to adopting your attitude.
- Say positive things. Point out the good in a situation. Give others hope and encouragement. Offer smiles and kind words instead of criticisms.
- Support. Instead of ordering someone to change, try to be a supporter. Be understanding and patient and offer to help others when they seem overwhelmed.
- Smile. People just might smile back.
- Change your tone. Be kind. Instead of barking orders and demands, you can soften your tone, take a deep breathe, and think before you speak.
People have to choose for themselves whether they want to adopt a positive or a negative attitude about life. You can’t change people. People have to want to change their behaviors, thoughts or attitudes in order for the change to be lasting and real. What we can all do is leave harassing, judging and critical comments behind and radiate the positive energy that we want from others and be encouragers and supporters of our friends, family and co-workers.
