How to develop a positive mental attitude

We’ve all met people who seem to have everything going for them-ideal upbringing, seemingly unlimited talents, useful contacts, and so on. But why is it they never seem to get to first base, careerwise? The answer: attitude. It is often their attitude that limits their achievements. Although changing attitudes is not easy, it can be done. Here’s a nine­step process that can lead to the development of a positive mental attitude, a will to win, and career success.

Take charge of your attitude.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past than education than money than circumstances than failures than successes than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company.

Mind your mood

The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past … we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude … I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you … we are m charge of our attitudes.

Practice visualization

Visualization is one of the most powerful techniques of self-image modification because your visual image can become your reality. There are four elements of visualization and an increase in any one of them will accelerate the rate at which we create the physical equivalent of that mental picture of our life. These four elements are:

• Frequency. People who accomplish extraordinary things continually visualize their desired results.
• Vividness. This is literally seeing things clearly.
• Intensity. When you intensely desire something, it occurs much faster.
• Duration. The longer you imagine a  future event, the more likely it 1s to appear.

Make affirmations

Affirmations are strong statements or commands from our conscious to our subconscious mind. They over­ride old information and reinforce new, positive habits of behavior and thought. Affirmations need to be based on the 3Ps: they must be positive, present tense, and personal.

Develop those essential interactive qualities

Here are importa11t aspects to remember in your dealings with others:

• Always be first to say hello. Offer a firm but 11ot crushing l1andshake.
• Never be casual with your greeting. Be sincere a11d meaningful.
• A friendly smile projects an image of trust.
• Use the otl1er person’s name in your conversation.
• Do your homework when meeting with someone. Work your knowledge of him or her into the conversation.
• Show that you are interested in what the other person is saying.
• Observe the basic rules of politeness and etiquette.

Think about your work environment

The appearance of your office or workplace says much about you. A cluttered desk, for example, can give others the idea that you are untidy and disorganized. Visitors are most impressed with an ‘organized stacks’ setting.

Always project a professional attitude.

Make certain your name is always associated with honesty ethics. Strive to develop good personal relationships. Demonstrate integrity, understanding, sensitivity, trust, respect, and competence. Let your colleagues that you are lastly ambitious and keen to get ahead, but avoid giving the impression that you are prepared to walk over others to get there. Tactfully make your skills and accomplishments known. Mistakes and never publicly criticize a superior or colleague. Seize every opportunity to prove that you are a good team player.

Be constantly aware of your image

The key to image-building is to start early. You see, it’s easier to build up a positive image before one has been formed in the eyes of others than to change one that is already established. Unfortunately, few of us can begin with a clean slate. But if you suspect that your present image is not helping you to advance your career, you will need to change it and this could take some time; well-established behaviors are hard to alter. Be aware always that the way you present yourself to others is one of the most important facets of any leader’s makeup. Work at it daily. In a nutshell, act like a professional and always look the part.