How a positive attitude can lead to success

By adopting an optimistic thought process, such as a positive attitude, you can achieve great success and increase your happiness. Here’s how

Dwelling on negativity and comparing own failings to another’s successes leads to unhappiness, dissatisfaction and, for some, depression. Positive thinking facilitates better decision-making by enabling the brain to process information more clearly.

Developing your positive attitude:

• Start the day positively – avoid negative media such as news and press articles. Build your focus. Listen to your favourite music to reassure and motivate.
• Turn negativity into positivity – next time you have a negative thought, replace it with something positive. Remember: negative and positive thoughts cannot coexist within the mind at the same time.
• Self-talk – think positive thoughts and say positive things as this can be done anytime, anywhere.
• Positive reinforcement – surround yourself with upbeat people and create a list of the positive aspects in your life, including your achievements and future events you are looking forward to. Read the list whenever you need a mental boost.
• Release negative energy – take regular exercise, a relaxing bath, engage in physical activity or something creative.
• Read self-help books – they are packed with tips and cognitive tools on how to retrain your mind into positive thinking. Best ones include Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway (Susan Jeffers) and How To Stop Worrying And Start  Living (Dale Carnegie).
• Altruism – helping others leaves you feeling positive. This can be something as simple as holding a door open.
• Learn something new – variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to developing new skills and gaining knowledge. Empower yourself by stimulating your mind and senses.

Steven Perryman is AAT Comment's former Content Editor.