A negative attitude is the stickiest of things. Once you develop a negative attitude it is incredibly difficult to change it. In fact, many people only succeed in becoming more and more negative with time.

This trap, a negative attitude trap, is terrible. It’s a horrible monster that can be annoying, to say the least. So how do you avoid falling into its trap?

First, stay optimistic. Even when you don’t feel hopeful, there is always hope in every situation. Find whatever morsel you can and hang on to it for dear life. Know that nothing is impossible and look for the best in every situation.

Second, don’t jump to conclusions. Drawing conclusions or making uninformed snap decisions can really cause a person to become negative and pessimistic. Wait and gather all the information before you decide to make a decision.

Third, practice being positive. Possessing a positive attitude does not come overnight. If you work hard at it each day though, you can win and achieve a better, more shining attitude with time.

The negative attitude trap is a horrible place to be in. Be cautious. If you feel yourself being overly pessimistic and rarely seeing the sunshine for the clouds, perhaps it’s time to add a little goodness to your life.

Do you freeze up and panic when in social settings? Do you dread the dinner parties for work because you can never seem to make simple conversation with others?

Social phobia is a real fear and one that can be extremely difficult to deal with at times. Using positive affirmations can help you to overcome some of those fears that you have.

Here is a list of affirmations for you to use in social settings:

· I can open up and be conversational with others.

· I have the ability to mingle in a crowd and remain calm.

· I am at ease among a group of strangers.

· I am in control of my fears; my fears do not control me.

· I am calm, confident and in control of my thoughts, actions and words.

· I am important and what I have to say is equally important.

As you begin to use these positive affirmations to combat your fear of social situations, you should slowly begin to experience a shift in the enormity of your anxiety.

EXTRA TIPS:

· Smile

· Don’t cross your arms

· Say hello

· Pretend you’re confident—they’ll never know

Do you know someone who seems to be down in spirits? Do you wish there was something you could do to help them feel better? Here are six things you can do to encourage someone today:

1. Give them a card. With technology today, hardly anyone at all ever thinks about giving or sending cards to each other anymore. Go to the store and buy a nice “thinking of you” card. Write an encouraging note inside the card and mail it to that person, or give it to them personally.

2. Call someone. If you know someone who is having a difficult time, why not pick up the phone and call them? Sometimes people just need a lifeline. They just need to know that there is someone else out there who really does care. A simple phone call can greatly lift someone’s spirits.

3. Send them some flowers or a balloon bouquet. Again, technology has driven us to be more withdrawn to ourselves, doing something thoughtful like this would really brighten someone’s day. If you’re not a flower person, you could send a nice balloon bouquet with a candy assortment attached, or a green house plant.

4. Pay a compliment. Everyone likes to hear nice things said about them. Pay someone a compliment. Don’t go overboard with it; just pay a genuine compliment and watch it brighten their day.

5. Be a Secret Pal. If you’d like to do something nice, but don’t want to make a big deal about it, you could become someone’s Secret Pal. This way, neither of you feels awkward or self-conscious.

6. Be genuinely kind and considerate. Sometimes just being nice to someone means more than anything. We all need friends, so become someone’s friend today.

Are you a Negative Nelly? Do you automatically think the worst about everything? Do you expect problems, rather than hope for the best?

Have a negative attitude is nothing more than a bad habit. Bad habits are never easy to break, but you can change the way you think. It will require much persistence and action moving towards a positive outlook.
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