Making It Big Monday

How to Maintain a Positive Attitude in the Workplace

"Forbes" magazine states that as many as 87 percent of U.S. workers don't really like their jobs. This makes it difficult to maintain a good attitude at the office. Maintaining a positive attitude may not be easy but it is essential. Here are some steps you can take to improve your attitude at work:

Step 1
Find ways to focus on the parts of your job you like. For instance, if you enjoy working with people, make time to do that every day by scheduling meetings or visiting clients. You'll still have to deal with the parts of your job you don't like. However you can make a point to spend a little time with the parts of your work you enjoy every day to boost your office attitude.

Step 2
Put up pictures and documents in your workspace that make you happy, such as family photos, letters from satisfied customers or work you're especially proud of doing. Being surrounded by things you like at work can improve your attitude on those difficult days.

Step 3
Anticipate positive outcomes. If you dread a weekly meeting or a particular project, you're likely to have negative feelings. Instead, look for potential positive outcomes, and focus on what's possible instead of on what bad things you think are likely to happen.

Step 4
Give yourself a negativity time limit, and allow yourself 15 minutes or so each day to gripe and complain. After that, focus on the positive.

Step 5
Take a time out. If you're dealing with a co-worker who pushes your buttons or a project that's making you crazy, excuse yourself to take a brisk 5-minute walk around your office building. Clearing your head for a few minutes can help you have a better attitude when you return.

Step 6
Spend time doing things you like outside the office. The richer your life outside of work, the less intense you'll feel about goings-on at the office and the easier it will be for you to maintain a positive attitude.

Aug 10, 2010 | By Holly L. Roberts. To view the original article CLICK HERE