Create A Positive Attitude

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." - Viktor Frankl

The above quote was taken from Viktor Frankl's book Man's Search For Meaning. It is the fascinating story of a doctor who is taken prisoner in Nazi Germany and sent to various concentration camps stretching over a period of three years. Even though his experience was incredibly hard, this man learned something amazing during his time in captivity - "to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances..."

If only we could be open to that possibility.

There is a scenario, for example, of examining views from three very different people working on the exact same project.

The first of the three feels unhappy, tired and bored with the project. There is no goal, he is just passing the time until he can complete it.

The second person is impartial to the experience and is neither happy nor unhappy with what she does. It's just a job.

The third person is completely amazed and grateful for the experience of the project. There is happiness, contentment, passion and purpose in what she is doing. Her work reflects her outlook.

Can you see how different the experience is for the third person? Same job, different outlook. It's simply the attitude she chose.

You may say that there might be many factors influencing her outlook. Whether that's true or not, her perspective is her choice, and anyone, regardless of circumstance or ability, has the right to exercise that choice.

Life is and always has been a series of experiences. While taking those twists and turns, many of which are unexpected, the term 'go with the flow' makes more and more sense. We're going to be subject to many situations that will challenge us, so why not just enjoy the ride?

Are you wondering how to accomplish this? After all, simply having a good attitude is much easier said than done. You may want to analyze what your definition of attitude is.


A positive attitude doesn't guarantee everything will turn out just as you want. You have to allow yourself to find the happiness and/or lesson in each experience.

So, what are some ways to cultivate and develop a positive attitude about life in general?

Our perception determines how our lives are shaped. If you view each experience as a negative one, you will create a negative reality. Your persona reflects that negativity. Why give your power away? Especially to thoughts that aren't hurting anyone except you. It's time to break these habits and create better thoughts. Thoughts that will serve you.

Try changing your outlook on things to that of something positive. Find ways to help in your community, become a mentor, or develop a positive attitude in the workplace.

Positive thinking can go a long way in creating a better outlook. So, even though it sounds a little cliché, try looking at the bright side of things.

A great way to create the positive is to develop an attitude of gratitude.

Try this exercise:

Walk through your life for a few moments and recognize the good. It may help to make a list. Don't focus on anything negative. Let go of what's not working for you and concentrate on what is. Realize your blessings and really appreciate what you have. Think about the little things: A smile from your child, a compliment at work, your morning coffee, a flower, a friend; anything that makes you feel good. Now, stop and realize how you feel. It's hard to be negative when you are constantly grateful for the good in your life. We can make that choice to be happy every day.

There are many benefits to applying the positive to our lives, including:

• Improved health
• Increased success
• More energy
• A happier countenance
• Able to handle difficult situations more easily
• Greater inner power
• Strength in achieving goals
• The ability to motivate yourself and others
• Greater self-worth and confidence

Realize and decide that life is beautiful. Each experience brings its own unique gift of learning. We can choose to accept this gift or see ourselves as the victim of our circumstances. The latter gives away our power and we become weak-minded. Choose the attitude that will empower you in every situation and soon your life will reflect that change.

A positive attitude is about more than being happy, it is about taking control of our lives, and deciding that there is always an alternative to what seems to be the worst... if we open ours eyes to see it.

Change your thoughts. Be happy with what you are faced with. Even a challenging situation is trying to teach you something. Find the lesson, learn and be grateful for it. Whatever comes your way, you can choose your reaction to it. You can choose your attitude.

Click here for some inspiring quotes on attitude.

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