7 Tips to Positive Thinking in the Workplace

It’s no secret that a lot of people are unhappy at work. Whether it’s a lack of appreciation, feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, the fact that some days just seem like nothing can go right, or something else entirely, your work environment directly affects your mood.

If you’re tired of looking at the clock thinking it must surely be the end of the day when it’s really just ten minutes past 9 am, then we suggest you keep reading.

It may seem like there isn’t much you can do to change that feeling, but we’ve put together a list of 7 tips on how to keep a positive attitude in the workplace that will leave you downright happy to be there. You will be amazed at how much a positive attitude change can improve your entire outlook at work.

1. Focus on the good

No matter how many things seem to be going poorly on any given day, there will always be something to be grateful for. If you spend your energy upset about what’s bad, then you won’t have any left to appreciate the positives.

Whether it’s a pat on the back from a manager, a breakthrough in a meeting, or the extra chicken nugget you found in your lunch, there are always things to appreciate. When you focus on the positives, good things tend to keep happening.

2. Be nice

Such a simple idea, but one that often gets overlooked.

Our first tip was to focus on the good, our second gives you the opportunity to help someone else accomplish this. Even something as seemingly insignificant as offering a compliment to a co-worker can have a real effect on their attitude.

Plus, when you spread positivity, you’re more likely to notice the positives yourself.

3. Change the way you speak

Language plays a larger role in our lives than you may expect. From shaping cultural norms to altering perceptions, it’s importance cannot be understated.

That means it is particularly important to make sure the way language is aligned with positivity. Instead of seeing daily duties as tasks that need be checked off, view them as opportunities. The way you speak (and think) can alter your perception of a situation, which means the more positive things you say, the happier you tend to be.

Try altering your phrasing to view each situation a positive one and you’ll be sure to see your attitude improve. This can have an equally important impact on your co-workers, as well. Positivity is contagious, so spread it.

4. Give yourself things to look forward to

The monotonous nature of daily “to-dos” can weigh on us. That’s why we suggest setting up things throughout the week (and day) to look forward to. That way, when you find yourself falling into a rut you have something on your calendar that will lift your spirits.

Whether it’s a weekly special lunch with a co-worker, a daily break taken at a tranquil location, or scheduling the most fun parts of your job in advance, make sure you give yourself small reprieves from work, so you always have something to look forward to.

5. Stop complaining

Yes, one of our tips was already to change the language you choose to use, but it’s so important that we figured now would be a good time to reiterate it.

Using negative language not only affects your attitude but the attitude of those around you. This is an especially important habit to break for managers. When you stop complaining about things and start accepting situations and working to make them better your entire team will be in a much better place.

6. Smile

Body language, much like verbal language, can have a serious impact on how we feel. If you’re walking around looking down with slumped shoulders and a frown on your face, chances are your attitude will reflect equally as negative.

When you feel yourself developing a negative attitude, the easiest way to combat it is by smiling. Body language experts say that smiling has a real, neural effect on people. It can trigger neural communication that results in boosting the level of dopamine and serotonin in your body, resulting in a much more positive attitude.

As a bonus, they say smiling is contagious. If you alter your body language to reflect the way you want to feel, not only will you be happier, but your co-workers will follow suit.

7. Surround yourself with the right people

The people we surround ourselves with matter a great deal, and not just from a cohesive team perspective. We also need to account for the fact that other people can impact our moods.

Make sure positive, hard-working people are the ones you choose to spend your time with at work. Their attitudes will rub off on you, which will have a positive impact on your mood.

If you’re a hiring manager, you have more control over this. Seek out people who are not only qualified for the positions but are also happy to be there. Lucky for you, finding those people are what DecisionPathHR is all about. Get in contact with us today!

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