Change your attitude, change the world*

Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? Have a positive attitude.

An attitude is the state of mind with which you approach a situation. Here are a couple of examples: Maybe you tell yourself, "I'm going to get things done today." (That's positive attitude.) Or does this sound more like you? "Today will be lousy, like yesterday." (That's negative attitude.)

The day might be out of control, but the only you can control your attitude.

Attitude is so important because it affects how you look, what you say, and what you do; it affects how you feel both physically and mentally; and it affects how successful you are in achieving your goals.

Do you take positive attitude toward yourself? Do you try to learn to recognize that no one has all the  answers? Do you try to do a better job and suggest better ways of doing your work? Do you demonstrate enthusiasm in whatever you say or do?

Are you willing to grow to prepare yourself for a better job? Are you willing to welcome change---to experiment, try new ideas and stay loose? Do you cultivate a sense of humor---not taking yourself seriously---getting some fun out of your work?

Likewise, do you have a positive attitude toward others? Are you sincerely interested in them and their purposes and problems? Do you try to understand others' point of view---how they feel and why they feel, think, look and act as they do?

Are you a good listener who tries to learn something from others? Are you able to work with them to achieve common goals, and not to criticize them?

Developing positive attitudes takes time and effort. Here are a few simple attitudes that will make your life fulfilling and your family happier:

      *Keep each other informed. Good communication is the key to a good relationship.
      *Try to be punctual. It's the Golden Rule of time for everybody.
      *Try to be cheerful, even if you don't feel like it. Nobody likes a sourpuss.
      *Use polite words like "Please," "Thank you," "May I?" and "Do you mind?"
      *Try to be helpful. You'll build friends fast.
      *And try to be patient. Some things just necessarily take time time to do right.
        Patience is a virtue.        

While negative attitudes make life difficult for everyone, positive attitudes help everyone get the most out of life. Negative attitudes get you nowhere, whereas positive attitudes make every day better.

With positive attitudes, your life is more meaningful, problems easier to handle, goals more attainable, mistakes less disastrous and the future more exciting.

Talent is important, and knowledge is essential. But, I believe the most important key element to success is your state of mind.Whatever your situation or disposition in life is, success is your attitude.

A positive attitude at work can make your daily routine more rewarding and enjoyable. You can say, "I'll do my job well as I can so that others can depend on me."

Why not begin practicing positive thinking to create a positive attitude right now?

-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.

*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Friday, October 9, 2015.
For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.