What if ATTITUDES were CONTAGIOUS???
Are attitudes contagious? I claim that both good attitudes and bad attitudes are contagious and will be offering proof in this article. I’ll also be asking each of you the question “If attitudes are contagious, would you want someone to catch yours?” Follow up questions would be “If you could choose anyone else’s attitude, whose would you choose, and would that choice allow you to live the life you desire to live?”
This is such an important topic that ends up being critical in the way your life plays out over time. CRITICAL! Think of the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at the Hospital. Critical means that the care is elevated and enhanced, so think of the ongoing development of your attitude as requiring critical care. Your attitude controls the quality level of every area of your life. It determines the quality of your relationships, who you’re friends with, your level of performance at work, your marriage, the way your kids view you, and the value of the opportunities that come (or don’t come) your way.
Think of a magnet. Magnets have a positive side and a negative side. Magnets can positively attract or negatively repel. Attitudes are like a magnet. Positive attitudes attract people seeking good (or betterment) and repel people that may find personal joy easiest through negativity. Bad attitudes can also attract individuals who most often turn out to be “professional fault finders” for pretty much everything they come across each day. Bad attitudes tend to repel people that have hope, faith, and love in the greater good of the world. Have you ever thought about how divisive attitudes can be? It seems strange just how much power our personal attitude has and how little effort we spend on managing what turns out to be one of the most controllable parts of our life.
Time to get real. How does attitude directly impact our life? Here’s what my research has taught me:
· Perception and Interpretation: Our attitude affects how we interpret events and experiences. A positive attitude can help us see challenges as opportunities for growth, while a negative attitude might lead us to view them as insurmountable obstacles.
· Emotional Well-being: A positive attitude is often linked to better emotional health. It can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Conversely, a negative attitude can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
· Relationships: Our attitude can influence how we interact with others. A positive, open attitude can foster strong, supportive relationships, while a negative attitude might lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.
· Resilience: People with a positive attitude are often more resilient. They tend to bounce back from setbacks more quickly and are more likely to persist in the face of difficulties. People with a negative attitude are quick to give up.
· Success and Achievement: A positive attitude can enhance motivation and drive, making it easier to set and achieve goals. It can also make us more open to learning and trying new things, which can lead to personal and professional growth. A negative attitude leads to a game of “what if” which kills all possibilities before they ever get started.
· Health: Studies have shown that a positive attitude can have a beneficial impact on physical health, potentially leading to a stronger immune system and a longer lifespan.
While attitude isn't the only factor that determines our life outcomes, it certainly plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and how we navigate the world. That’s why I’d like to offer a tried-and-true strategy that you can implement the moment you finish reading this article.
Begin with believing that old saying: Birds of a feather, flock together. What I mean is that you should take a close look at the 6 people you spend the most time around. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being most negative and 10 being most positive, assign a number to their attitude. Consider the harm that anyone under a 7 may be having on your life and consider the benefits that the people at 7 or above have on your life. The fact is the 6 people you’ve chosen have the greatest influence in how you’re navigating the world and the amount of joy, success, and achievement that becomes YOUR Personal Story.
People’s attitudes are contagious. Whose are you catching, and who’s catching yours? Is YOURS even worth catching? I sure hope it is. Why? Because I wrote this article with the hope that YOUR Personal Story will be so wonderful that people for centuries will look back at it and say, “It was their positive attitude that led to all of the good things that occurred in their life.” During a recent radio interview, the host introduced me as “The most positive person I’ve ever met!” It reminded me of all the life obstacles I’ve overcome due to having a consistent positive attitude. YOU…Yes, YOU can embrace the benefits of having a positive attitude beginning right now. For the record: Hey…I Believe In YOU! GiddyUp!