In 2011, when the Cardinals were several games behind first, everyone thought it was over but them. But they kept their positive attitude and went on to win the World Series. There are many benefits (aside from winning the World Series) to having a positive attitude at work.
When you have a positive attitude at work you feel less stressed out -- especially for those of us in service positions. When you smile and enjoy what you do, the people you serve will typically enjoy being served more. Also, a negative attitude increases your stress because not only do you have the typical everyday stressors, but you also have the stress of seeing every worst-case scenario.
When you have a positive attitude you will also have happier coworkers. Your attitude affects their attitude in a positive way. No one wants to work with someone who is always complaining and seeing the worst in everything. Also, when you enjoy your work you are more like to do it quickly and efficiently.
Having a positive attitude can contribute to job security. An employer does not want an employee who is always complaining. If you have a negative attitude on your job, your employer is most likely hearing about it from customers and coworkers. In addition, a negative attitude tends to infect others if not nipped in the bud. This is why whenever you have a bad attitude your employer seems less likely to work with you and help you out, and more likely to fire you when your work is not as it should be.
So, how do you get this positive attitude that is so helpful? First, remember that you are in control of your life, your decisions and your attitude. If you find that you are often using negative self-talk, stop yourself, take a deep breath and think of positive things in your life (work-related or not). This can be a learned response that you develop when you are using a positive attitude, and the more you do it the easier positive self-talk will become.
Making an effort to maintain a positive attitude will show in the smiles of your coworkers, in the compliments of you employer and customers. Remember that you are not the only one who may be having a bad day. That customer who is being rude may be having a bad day to and you may have the power to turn that around just by being positive. Don’t let other people’s bad attitudes infect you.
Read books on positive attitudes such as The Power of a Positive Attitude by Roger Fritz and Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude by W. Clement Stone.