Attitude: Learn to be positive

Astudent failed to produce an outstanding result in two consecutive tests taken by his physics teacher. He has now got a third test coming up. In this predicament, will he see failure glaring at him from all directions or a ray of hope?

In simple words, what do you think he will do? Will he give up working hard or will he analyse his many errors and correct them in the future?

I know that there will be mixed answers to the questions, primarily because the approach will vary from person to person. If the student is optimistic and believes in his capabilities, he will give it another go and will work hard.

But in the case he is a pessimist, he will think that he was never made for physics or even that the teacher has some personal grudge against him. Therefore, he will inevitably surrender. This situation highlights what major impact a person’s thinking can have on his actions. I know that many of you may be rolling your eyes and thinking that positive thinking in difficult situations is impossible.

Well, it is true that some situations become so unfavourable that cursing one’s self, luck and other people seem to actually bring some relief. But what if pessimism becomes part of one’s nature? Each of us must have encountered people who never
think positively and always look at the darker side of everything.

Well, for such people, I would like to give a few suggestions that might help in changing their attitude towards things, as pessimism makes a person forlorn and makes him believe that success can never be achieved.

Be positive about yourself: Never ever think that you are a hopeless case. Remember that nobody is worthless as everyone has been bestowed with some God-gifted talent. You might not be good at mathematics, but you may be an outstanding artist or sportsman. And besides, you can always overcome your weaknesses by a strong will and through persistent hard work.

By trying to turn your weaknesses into your strength and by polishing your talents, you will find a new confidence surging inside you.

Look at it this way — if you believe that you are of no use, others will automatically start thinking the same way too. On the contrary, by knowing that you are good at a certain things, there is no way that your talent will remain hidden from others. In fact, people will admire you for your talent.

Be positive about others: The reason for seeing others positively is simple — you will start being soft-spoken and kind-hearted towards others, making others like you.

On the other hand, by hating everybody around you, you will end up being rude and this will leave you desolated, with no friends.

Be positive in your work: Only when a person knows he can accomplish a task well, he starts to actually feel motivated to complete the task. Dedication and incessant hard work are important factors in achieving success.

Always assure yourself that you can complete the task assigned to you, provided you do the necessary hard work, and people will undoubtedly appreciate your work.

Focus on your aims/goals: Remain focused, do incessant hard work, pray, remain positive and you will see your way through the many obstacles present between you and your goal. Everyone wants to see their dreams come true. Some of us dream of being an artist or a doctor or an archaeologist or an astronomer. Of course, the ride to achieving one’s goals will be bumpy, with ups and downs. If you land in a predicament, do not instantaneously lay down your arms; instead, prove yourself as a resilient person by striving harder and by finding ways of getting out of the difficulty.

Lastly, I would like to add that never be demoralised by failures and mistakes. Instead, learn lessons from them, which can prove to be valuable in the long run.