This article comes from thoughts I shared on my most recent podcast (access it HERE) on the #TRUTH that, "Your Attitude MATTERS!"
Listen, it doesn't matter WHO you are or WHAT you are doing (job, school, parenting, etc.) the fact remains that the ATTITUDE that YOU CHOOSE (that's right, it's a choice!) will have a HUGE impact on you day, week, month and year. And, if you keep adding that time up it will turn out to be YEARS and you will wonder why your life did not turn out the way you had wished.
This past week I came across a post on my social media that brought about my decision to do a podcast/blog article on this topic. Without revealing more than the content, here's a picture of the post with some notes that I've made that I'll discuss with you here.
First of all, let me say that, whoever came up with this was someone that had a horrible, negative attitude about work and - my guess would be - pretty much every area of their life. That's just my opinion but it is an opinion based on what I've observed and learned over the years.
Now then, on to the information in this graphic. Right off the start - at the top - marked as #1 in my comment box we find someone that feels the need to share what THEY HAVE LEARNED about employment. Key point here: Be CAREFUL who you listen to and take "advice" from. Listen, there is actually SOME good advice found in this graphic such as found in numbers 8 and 12. Your family IS more important than any job BUT you still have to understand the BALANCE that must come with both. (I could do a whole article just on this point and maybe I will in the future). And, for sure, as is mentioned in #12, it is important to keep your personal life private. But, here's the kicker...this also applies to social media and, my guess is, since this was posted on social media that the author of these thoughts does not apply this advice consistently.
Notice my notes in my second comment about #4 in the posted list... "Do the bare minimum, or you'll get rewarded MORE work." Again, this "advice" alone should cause everyone to run in the opposite direction! Oh, I know that this is a common opinion held by many but IT IS POISON to your mind and to ANY POSSIBILITY of you actually improving your situation/position at your work. That's a guarantee!
Again, the attitude exhibited by this point alone, should be enough to see that this person's mind has been poisoned by a negative mindset. However, many times, those who ALSO have their minds "poisoned" by negative attitudes will see this as something that makes sense. And it does...to them. Why? Because this is all they see, hear, taste, touch, smell and consume.
Side note on #9: "Some of your coworkers secretly hate you." Really? Is this a surprise? It shouldn't be because it's called LIFE! Moving on...
Now in my "3rd comment box"... The attitude expressed in #4 on the list will GUARANTEE that there will NEVER be any substantial pay increase (#10) AND that there will NEVER be promotions in compensation (#11).
Here's the thing that so many people (like the one that posted this list) don't seem to understand: Your negative attitude and negative approach to your work will KEEP YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO BE. That is how it works, friend!
This type of negative attitude will keep you on the "hamster wheel" of frustration and disappointment while you continue to blame anybody and everybody else for your lack of forward progress in your position. Go take a good long look in the mirror at where the problem actually lies...YOU!
But, here's the GOOD NEWS about all of this: It doesn't have to STAY that way. That's right! YOU have the ability to start making CHANGES in your own attitude and life. It won't be easy because you have likely grown so accustomed to this negative attitude and lifestyle that you may feel that it is even impossible. Always remember this quote that I came up with back in 2009, "As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"
If you REALLY wish to rid your life of this negative attitude then I have some good news for you! I actually did a series of articles addressing that very thing. It's called "Positive Mindset 101" and it is designed to help you learn how to DEVELOP and MAINTAIN a positive mindset. If you've not done so before, you can begin with the first article in the series by going HERE.
One last thing to leave you with. I'VE BEEN THERE! Yep! There have been times in my past where I allowed myself to be influenced by others around me that had a stinking attitude (negative attitude) about work and I became miserable! Yes, I turned it around but I just want to make sure you understand that I, too, have struggled with the influence of negative attitudes.
IT'S A CHOICE and it is YOUR choice. My advice: Choose wisely!
Until next time...
