Having a positive attitude is an important component of business 
productivity. When we view ourselves positively, we accept who we 
are and enable ourselves to soar to the greatest heights. But 
oftentimes, professionals may have the skills and expertise they 
need to work effectively but negative attitudes undermine their 
efforts and diminish their results. Here are 10 essential 
strategies for maintaining a positive attitude at work and home. 

1. Attitude is everything, so avoid negativity. It is the lens 
that you look through to experience your reality. Take a look at 
your attitude. Are you negative? Do you color everything with 
fear or need? How will your life change if you change your 
attitude?

2. Treat people with kindness and respect. Everyone that you 
encounter should be valued and treated with courtesy. Acknowledge 
that they have feelings and their own perspective on life; they 
may be different than yours but they are also valid.

3. Avoid comparison. Constantly comparing yourself keeps the 
focus on the other person instead of on what you can do, want to 
do and are good at doing. Look inside and improve from there.

4. Take responsibility for your work, actions and life. Don't 
pass the buck. Don't make excuses. Take responsibility; 
acknowledge a mistake, fix it and learn from it. Don't beat 
yourself up about the mistake or hang onto past mistakes. Resolve 
them, own them and move forward. Today.

5. Adopt a that-doesn't-work-for-me stance. When someone insults 
or belittles you, keep in mind that your worth comes from 
you…your being…your true self. They can't change your intrinsic 
value unless you let them. Make it clear that what they're doing 
doesn't work for you. Keep your self-confidence and continue to 
move forward.

6. Respect other people's time and boundaries. If you are having 
a bad day, feeling stuck, or you are just enjoying 
procrastinating, make sure you don't use that as an excuse to 
waste other people's time or cross their boundaries. Time is the 
most valuable thing we have. 

7. Make a what-I-have-accomplished list. Too often, people make 
huge to-do lists and then beat themselves up when they have only 
accomplished a few things on the list. Each day, keep a specific 
list of all the things you did and how much time you spent on 
each thing. You'll know where the day went, can feel good about 
what you did accomplish and see where you need to focus to get 
what's most important to you done.

8. Take notice of the people around you. Acknowledge what 
co-workers, customers, clients, vendors and other people are 
contributing and don't take them for granted. Thank them for 
buying from you, for their help, their value to the relationship 
and for a job well done.

9. Enjoy the little things that happen in your day. Relish the 
compliment someone gave you on the insight you shared at the 
staff meeting or the big smile the customer gave you when they 
picked up their order. By recognizing your accomplishments, even 
if they seem small or routine, you are acknowledging a job well 
done. 

10. Always come from a positive attitude and perspective and you 
will feel more in control.

Consider each job and interaction as your best performance, 
rather than just running them together as part of your day. You 
will see the impact you have and the value you offer. Others will 
also notice your efforts and will respect your for your 
contributions. 
 

Copyright Kate Smalley
Connecticut Secretary
Transcription and Secretarial Support Services
kms@connecticutsecretary.com
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