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Attitude is defined as a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior and thoughts.  An attitude can be positive or negative.  A positive attitude produces a positive disposition, positive thoughts, optimism, and positive behaviors. ​ Your outlook on life is important to your health, mental and physical well being.

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A negative attitude can produce health and mental problems, a negative disposition, pessimism, and negative behaviors.  I don't know anyone who would prefer to be around people who have a negative attitude or mindset.

​​The way you think matters.  Most of us do not like to think negatively, nor do we like to be around negative people.  People who always have something negative to say about someone or something, are usually miserable people.  Miserable people, do not have many friends, because most people don't want to be around them.  Therefore, you have to learn how to be more positive (in your way of thinking, as well as in your way of behaving).

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Self-regulation, will help you monitor and regulate your mood, in any situation.  Your attitude comes from your mood (how you feel in the moment).  When you can control your emotions, you are self-regulating how you feel.  To do so requires emotional intelligence.  If you are easily angered or irritated and this causes your mood to shift easily from positive to negative, you have not yet mastered your emotions.  Mastering your emotions takes time and practice.  You have to know what truly matters and what does not, as well as know what/who is worth it and what/who is not.  No one and nothing is worth your mental sanity.   No one is worth you "losing it," because of something they said or did.  No one should have that much power over you to regulate your mood/attitude.

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Your perspective on unpleasant situations will determine how well you can cope with life.  Stress happens to all of us at some point. It is how you handle your stressors that makes the difference in how your attitude will be.  Sometimes, people will try to provoke you to anger, and unfortunately, sometimes their provoking works.  When it does, breathe, pause, process, and proceed in a way that reflects the outcome that you want long term (not in that moment).  The outcome that you might think you want in that moment, might be different from the outcome that you truly want long-term. 

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Your attitude could determine how far you go in life (physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, financially, as well as in your relationships). ​When things don't go your way, does your attitude change?  ​ How do you treat people, who do not have anything to offer you?  How do you treat others, when you have a bad day or bad moment?  Don't let a moment of your life, change your attitude from positive to negative.  Figure out what you need to do in that moment to feel better about your situation, so that you can stay positive, and so that you do not take your frustration out on those around you.

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You can be a beautiful person outwardly.  However, ​no matter how attractive you are, if you have a negative attitude towards people, trust and believe that those same people will begin to find you less attractive.  Nobody is cute, when they have an unpleasant attitude.  So, be mindful of your attitude, and how you treat yourself and others.  The Bible states, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7).  No matter what life challenges you encounter, do what you need to do to make the situation better for yourself, so that your attitude is positive.  Don't let anyone else control your attitude/mood.  Learn how to self-regulate.  Have an attitude of gratitude, because your situation could be worst.  Be thankful, that it isn't.  Check your attitude.

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By Lynnette Clement

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