“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill
As we move into the new year let’s think about the “Power of Positivity” and the role that it can have for a potentially wonderful year.
Did you know that positive people are more resilient, adaptive, innovative, healthy and engaged in their work? They have more successful relationships too. Positive people also have fewer colds, longer lives, more successful marriages, have fewer heart attacks, a higher pain tolerance, and even have more friends. Makes sense, who wants to spend hours with people who grouch and complain all the time? Of course, if the negative person is your mother, you can’t say I’m never spending time with you again.
A study from Michigan State University found that negative workers become more mentally fatigued and defensive. They are also less productive. Several studies have found that those negative workers may cost the US Economy $250 to $300 million per year in lost productivity. Research also finds that positive teams are more effective, efficient, and successful. They out perform other teams in work speed and quality.
My personal favorite positivity author is Jon Gordon. He combines research with messages that are easy to understand and make me think. He has a number of books that you can borrow from your local library, download on an e-reader, or purchase if you really like them. He also has free online video’s and newsletters. In one of his more recent newsletters he challenged readers to “Be Positively Contagious”. He states that emotions are contagious – so sincere smiles, kind words, and encouragement will spread through your home, workplace, school, or organization. While negativity can infect others. If you are having a negative day, think about taking a sick day for an attitude adjustment. In the same way you don’t want to infect others with the flu, why infect them with your negative attitude?
I challenge you as we move into the year to find ways to build your own positivity and encourage others to be more positive too. Possible tools include:
- Accepting that change is part of life.
- Trying the “No Complaining Rule” – Can you avoid complaining for even a day? Build to a week?
- Use the “Tell Me Something Good” Technique – When family or friends are sharing, encourage them to tell you something good that happened and not focus on the negative.
- Watching positive/humorous shows, movies, or videos that make you laugh.
- Use affirming/positive self-talk.
- Let go of things you can’t control.
- Smile more, even a fake smile will reduce your heart rate and blood pressure!
“No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” Tom Schulman
Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.
Reviewer: Tammy Jones, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pike County.
Live Healthy Live Well 
Thank you for this article. It came on a day that I needed it more than ever. I am normally a very positive person, I let go and let God, most all the time. However we are in the process of moving out of our home and living with a friend because we have not found a house to buy yet. The stress is unbelievable, however as you just reminded me, there is nothing I can do about the situation, except go with it and be grateful we have a place to stay and that all of our items that are in 2 different storages etc… will eventually be in a beautiful home that God has picked out for us. The “No complaining Rule” hit hard!!! ;o).
Have a beautiful day and thanks again for the article.
Thank you for the comment Debbie –
I know that maintaining positivity is hard, but keep reminding yourself that you have that home to look forward to and you are so fortunate to have a friend that you can stay with until you find your new place.
Stay strong –
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for this wonderful message! I am always encouraged by you. I really am a very positive person most of the time. I love your ideas for spreading that positivity! Especially the “Tell me something good” that would encourage others to think about the positive things in their lives.
I’m doing the Yp4h program again this year and I chose several habits like give a hug, give people the benefit of the doubt (I call that giving grace), and make work fun. Life is so short—lost 2 loved ones this year.
Anyway keep on doing what you’re doing. I know your job makes a difference in so many people’s lives.
Let’s make this New Year a loving and learning one!
Mary
Sent from my iPhone
>
Thank you so much for the comment Mary,
We enjoy having friends who use our materials respond. Thank you also for “Telling me something good today”! Have a Happy New Year.
Lisa
My mother taught us a little family tradition called ‘trading last’. It would start with someone saying, “I’ll trade last with you” … that meant that the person saying it had something good to tell you but they would only tell you if you—in-turn—told them something good or related a compliment about them. This kept us always on the look out for good things, so that when someone heard something good about us, we had something that we could then, ‘trade last’ with them.