It is your basic 'mind set', your outlook, how you view things ...
For example, people with different attitudes will view (perceive) the same situation from quite different perspectives. A particular situation will be seen as a problem by one person and an opportunity by another.

It is usually the person who sees that situation as an opportunity that will be able to think of a useful solution to correct the situation.

So, a positive attitude can see opportunities in a situation where a negative attitude will only see the problems and obstacles. This can apply to all aspects of life.

In business the difference between a positive attitude and a negative attitude can often mean the difference between success and failure. A positive attitude will transmit positive and friendly signals, where a negative attitude repels people. How often have you experienced this as a customer in a business and vowed never to go back again.

People with ingrained negative attitudes often view life and work as a 'struggle'. They have been conditioned by their family or other background to expect life to be a struggle: almost with a fatalistic resignation that 'things don't work out'.

So, a positive attitude can result in -
· Developing a plan (any plan, even a very simple plan) for
your life or business rather than staying in a rut, 'doing
what you've always done'.
· Seeing a problem situation as an opportunity to solve this
problem or create a new approach to doing something, rather
than allowing the problem to block you and your hopes of
achieving your goal.

Note that a positive attitude does not mean everything will go without a hitch. Working towards a goal or implementing a plan does require effort, but this is different to struggle which is effort laced with negative emotion.

Attitude Renewal
Change - and how it affects us.

Changes in life's circumstances can bring about profound changes in our attitudes to both ourselves and life in general. These can relate ...
· to our work and business
· to our colleagues and associates
· to friends and family

In an era of change, these changes can be as diverse as ...
· unemployment
· health
· upheaval to your personal or your business finances
· relationship and family problems

Personal and self-concept issues can arise, bringing about negative attitudes
· hair loss for men
· weight increase
· other personal disappointments

Attitude and Our Sub-Conscious Minds.
Constant exposure to outside negative influences eventually permeates our sub-conscious minds, for example
· endless bad news stories in the media
· lyrics espousing a very negative and defeatist outlook
in some music
· friends with a negative outlook

These issues highlight the power of our sub-conscious minds. The maxim: 'whatever you fill your head with, you become' shows how constant exposure to any influence penetrates through the conscious area of our minds into the sub-conscious area. This is where our beliefs and attitudes develop and are held.

Keeping Your Attitude Fresh.
So, when your attitude goes sour, what do you do ?

Strategically plan to insulate yourself against avoidable negative influences that will corrupt your attitudes. Use your intuition to warn you of negative situations and people - and avoid both.

If however, you are in a negative situation that is having a debilitating effect on your attitude, there are some practical things you can implement to limit the impact of these things on your attitudes.

· It's of great value to have someone with whom you can talk
things through.
· Physical (strenuous) activity can relieve stress caused by
negative situations.
· Hire a humorous movie. Laughter is a great restorer !
· A change in your environment. A weekend away can give you the
refreshment you crave.

If you go through your life with negative attitudes you will end up being one of those people who look back on their life with regrets.