Attitude, whether positive or negative, is contagious; so what type are you spreading?   Being negative takes extra energy you could otherwise be channeling into your favorite pursuits. Instead of sowing discord wherever you go, learn how to cultivate tolerance instead of impatience; optimism rather than pessimism; and gratitude versus an ungrateful spirit.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Stop negative thoughts in their tracks. Smother your feelings of pessimism, self-doubt, complaining, whining, and general negativity as they’re born, or they’re likely to take over your life and poison your relationships.

2. Stop worrying about everything. Instead of worrying about things you can’t control, create alternate mental pictures in which you and yours are the winners. Worrying about stuff you can’t control is a one-way ticket to the funny-farm.

3. Listen to what your anger is teaching you. Anger is an evolutionary tool that keeps us safe; therefore, you should respond to it carefully. Instead of lashing out, become introspective about what it’s trying to tell you. 

4. Learn to deal with emotionally-charged situations. Simply being around some people makes you tired, and others are brusque and irritable. It may be necessary to adjust your own attitudes to deal effectively with others’ personality quirks.

5. Choose to be an optimist. Assuming all your basic needs are met, happiness is a choice. It’s said that pessimists forget to laugh, and optimists laugh to forget.  Keep things in perspective. Remember: things can always be worse!

6. Count your blessings. Don’t show the world an ungrateful spirit. Stop complaining about what you don’t have and start counting all the things you do have. Counting your blessing can be an instant energy boost.

7. Cultivate patience with people. Others’ differences can sour your attitude, draining your energy. Realize we’re all different, and force yourself to find just one thing you like about someone who’s annoying you.

8. Don’t bother overanalyzing people. There’s not always an ulterior motive behind what people do, so don’t waste time and precious energy by playing psychoanalyst to those who annoy you. Sometimes a cigar’s just a cigar.

Instead of being a “de-energizer” who sucks the live right out of others, learn how to lift their spirits and give them joy. Being negative really takes extra energy — energy you could otherwise be channeling into your favorite pursuits. 

(C) 2008 Laura Stack.  Laura Stack is a personal productivity expert, author, and professional speaker who helps busy workers Leave the Office Earlier® with Maximum Results in Minimum Time™. She is the president of The Productivity Pro®, Inc., a time management training firm specializing in productivity improvement in high-stress organizations.  Since 1992, Laura has presented keynotes and seminars on improving output, lowering stress, and saving time in today’s workplaces.  She is the bestselling author of three works published by Broadway Books: The Exhaustion Cure (2008), Find More Time (2006) and Leave the Office Earlier (2004).  Laura is a spokesperson for Microsoft, 3M, and Day-Timers®, Inc and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, CNN, and the New York Times. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Sunoco, KPMG, Nationwide, and 3M.  To have Laura speak at your next event, call 303-471-7401.  Visit www.TheProductivityPro.com to sign up for her free monthly productivity newsletter.