Two hydrogen atoms are enjoying frosty milkshakes at the soda shop. Suddenly one of the hydrogen atoms gasps. He begins looking around everywhere and patting all his pockets.
"What is it?" his friend asks.
"Oh boy, this is serious, Phil. I think I dropped my electron!"
"Yikes!" Phil responds. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm positive!"
(I know it's an old joke, but I still get a charge out of it.)
Be positive! We are free to choose our attitudes in any situation, and being positive is a better choice. There have been many studies on the effects of maintaining a positive attitude. Research consistently shows people with a positive outlook live longer, healthier lives; they earn a better living; and they have more and stronger relationships.
"I believe you, Will. I should try to be more positive. But how do I improve my attitude? Do I just decide to be positive as an act of my will?"
Well no, that usually won’t work. The better way to stay positive is to do the behaviors that positive people exhibit, even when we’re not really “feeling it.” Research shows the behaviors will actually work to improve our attitudes!
So for example, we keep up our grooming habits even during “blue patches;” SMILE, even when we’d rather frown; and continue to complete our work on time, even when crying our eyes out seems more appropriate. After awhile, our attitudes will improve because of the positive behaviors!
"Hey Phil, I found my electron down here by this chair leg! And what is that? Is that a shiny dime? Wow! This is my lucky day!"