Not everyone is going to be as chipper as you!
In fact, you’re not going to be chipper all of the time either. You can’t let it get you down, though.
Remaining positive is essential when everyone around you is down in the dumps. Here are some ways to keep negativity from turning you upside down.
The glass is half full, right?Negativity At Work
Remember that their negativity has absolutely nothing to do with you. Maybe your co-worker woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Their snippy attitude, snarky or sad remarks or standoffish demeanor is not a reflection of anything you may have done or who you are.
Amy Rees Anderson, a Forbes contributor, states, “Placing positive and uplifting quotes on the wall of your office or cubicle that will help keep your spirits lifted can be very helpful in these circumstances.” Read the quotes to yourself or even jot them down on paper. Try to incorporate the meaning of the quotes into your everyday life. However, there isn’t a permanent positivity light switch.
According to WorkCompass, “It is unfortunate, but a fact of life, that negativity spreads faster than positivity.” This means that it will be awhile before people start to catch on to your happiness, but that does not mean you should give up.
Misery loves company and you will be tempted to move over to the dark side. You have to fight this. Speak positively about your workplace. Although the perks may be apparent to you, they may not have thought about it the way you do. You can also use this as an opportunity to become a leader.
Negativity From Your Family
This one is pretty tough to avoid because you can’t dismiss your family. You can take a mini break from them. If you want, let them know you’re taking some time for yourself.
Whether or not you want to attend a family event, go with a positive attitude. Try to make them laugh or tell an upbeat story. Make your positivity contagious and watch their attitudes change.
Keeping in mind that you have different ways of thinking and different values may also help you “tune out” negativity. Negative comments from your family about certain situations will happen. At this point, agree to disagree and let their messages go in one ear and out the other. They are your family so just as much as you have to put up with them, they have to put up with you. Make your own decisions and as long as you know in your heart that you are doing the right thing, keep smiling and politely tell them to butt out.
Negativity From Friends
Unlike family and co-workers, you can choose your friends and control the amount of time you spend with them. If the friendship is toxic and past the point of repair, just end it. A negative person will only bring you down and slow you down. You may feel bad, but remember they do not have your best interest at heart.
If you want to fix your friendship, find out where the negativity is coming from. It may be a cry for help. Use your positivity to lift them up to where you are. Compliment them, encourage them and give them something to smile about.
Continue to hang out with this person, as long as you don’t see yourself catching the Negative Nancy bug. You may be the one positive thing in their life that brings them out of this slump. Be their light at the end of the tunnel. Remember not to take on too much responsibility though. At the end of the day, they are in control of their own happiness.
Influence, inspire and continue to lift yourself up. Hang around positive people and always remember that you control your emotions, not anyone else. Love and take care of yourself. Oh, and smiles are contagious—spread them like wildfire
Feature Photo via Tumblr