(Armstrong, 2018)
Attitude is everything. You’ve probably heard this phrase before, but have you ever stopped to think about just how much truth it holds?
Our attitude is how we think and feel about life, challenges, and ourselves, and it determines the way we experience the world.
It influences our actions, our relationships, and even our success.
Our attitude starts as soon as we wake up and can determine how our day is going to go. If we don’t start with a positive thought, then that can throw off the entire day, which then snowballs to effect the week, then the month, and then the year.
Attitude is one thing we can control and reflects who we are as a person.
A positive attitude can get us through just about anything in life, as you will see life as an endless road of possibility.
However, the same goes for a negative attitude but instead of seeing life and the world as endless possibility and opportunity, you will see it as a small, dark, sad, and scary place where there is nothing for you.
Let’s take a deeper dive on the positive and negative attitudes, and find out, what exactly is attitude.
What Is Attitude?
Attitude is more than just a fleeting emotion or mood. It’s a combination of our thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives that shape how we respond to life’s circumstances.
A positive attitude can help us navigate challenges with resilience, while a negative attitude can make even the smallest setbacks feel overwhelming.
Psychologists have long studied the impact of attitude on human behavior.
Research suggests that people with a positive mindset tend to be more successful, have better relationships, and even enjoy improved physical health.
In contrast, those who maintain a negative outlook often struggle with stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.
Your Attitude, Your Reality
Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same situation but react in completely different ways?
One person may see an obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow, while another sees it as a reason to give up.
The difference isn’t the situation itself, it’s their attitude.
Take, for example, someone facing a career setback (this is a real life scenario for me, as I have recently been laid off and am in the middle of a career change).
A person with a defeatist attitude might dwell on their failures, feeling stuck and incapable of progress.
On the other hand, someone with a growth mindset sees the setback as a stepping stone, a chance to refine their skills and come back stronger.
With my personal setback of being laid off, I have had both these attitudes on different days.
I have been working to get a business off the ground, and it’s been a very difficult time trying to get traction. It has been disheartening to say the least; however, I must stay positive because only good things will happen with me putting in more effort and keeping a positive attitude and mindset.
When those negative feelings and attitudes set in, all I do is just think about how no one wants to work with me, or I’m worthless, and it’s all a bunch of crap.
Staying and maintaining positivity is much more than just for myself in this time in my life, as I have been laid off, I am in a career change, I am doing my practicum for grad school as a school counselor, my wife is pregnant with our second child, I am the father to an amazing toddler, and with all of this, there is no time to be negative.
I have to step up and be the leader of this family and for others that may be looking to me for answers and inspiration.
One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies, Remember the Titans, is how I feel about my role in life as a husband, father, friend, and as a developing school counselor.
“Attitude reflects leadership, Captain.”
-Julius Campbell
We are the captains of our lives, and we all have someone looking to us to lead them, whether we know it or not.
So, now that we know that our attitude shapes our reality, let’s take a look at the science behind it and how to cultivate a positive attitude.
The Science of Attitude
Studies show that attitude is closely linked to brain function.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire itself and proves that we can reshape our thought patterns over time.
By consciously choosing a positive perspective, we train our brains to default to optimism, resilience, and problem-solving instead of frustration and self-doubt.
According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading psychologist in motivation and personality, people with a “growth mindset” (those who believe their abilities can develop with effort) tend to achieve more than those with a “fixed mindset” (those who believe their talents and intelligence are static). This means that shifting our attitude can literally change our future.
How to Cultivate a Positive Attitude
If attitude is so powerful, how do we cultivate one that serves us?
Here are a few practical steps:
1. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what you already have.
Start each day by listing three things you’re grateful for.
Over time, this simple habit rewires your brain to seek out the positive.
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts
When challenges arise, pause and ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?”
Instead of saying, “This is impossible,” try, “This is difficult, but I can figure it out.”
The words we use shape our reality.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
If you’re constantly around negativity, it will rub off on you.
Choose to be around people who uplift, inspire, and challenge you in a good way.
4. Take Care of Your Mind and Body
Physical health plays a major role in mental well-being.
Exercise, nutrition, and sleep all impact your mood and energy levels.
A strong body supports a strong mind.
5. Develop a Solution-Oriented Mindset
Problems will always exist, but your attitude toward them makes all the difference.
Instead of fixating on what’s wrong, focus on what you can do to improve the situation.
Every problem presents an opportunity to grow.
Final Thoughts
Your attitude is one of the few things in life you have complete control over.
You can’t always change your circumstances, but you can change how you respond to them.
By choosing a mindset of growth, gratitude, and resilience, you empower yourself to create a life filled with success, joy, and fulfillment.
So, what attitude will you choose today?
If this post resonated with you, share it with someone who could use a shift in perspective. And if you want more insights on mindset, personal growth, and mental well-being, subscribe to "The Thriving Mindset" for inspiration. 🚀
References
Armstrong, J. (2018). Forbes Books Post 7 [Photograph]. Forbes Books. Retrieved from https://books.forbes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Armstrong_ForbesBooks_Post7_photo.jpg