Paradigm is the mental map or mindset that is inherently ingrained into everything that one does. The values and beliefs that one holds affect one's intention or action. To cultivate positive attitude, one should practise self-awareness and take charge of what goes inside one’s mind by monitoring and managing the internal dialogue and turning negative thoughts into positive ones. All human beings are endowed with the ability to choose positive thoughts at the subconscious state. This ability allows us to make prediction of the outcomes and help us to avoid negative consequences that would bring harm to those who come into contact with us. Thus, it would prevent us from suffering in guilt and pain.
Researches have shown that individuals with positive attitudes are more successful than similarly talented people with negative attitudes. Each of us has the ability to choose what attitude we want and the good thing is that positive attitude can be cultivated, if the right 5Cs are followed.
Choice versus circumstance. All human beings are given the power and freedom to choose our attitudes. The attitude that we demonstrate towards others is a function of our choices, not our circumstances. Positive attitude individuals will always make choices and respond positively towards unreasonable people or challenging situations. In contrast, negative attitude individuals are driven by their feelings, moods, circumstances, conditions and social environment. They will blame the circumstances for their failures but not their inability to exercise the freedom of choice.
Compassion versus condition. Compassion is the feeling for the sufferings of others and prompting one to give help. It embraces the virtue of kindness, courtesy and forgiveness. The English idiom “To err is human, to forgive divine" illustrates the power of compassion. We all make mistakes. We need to forgive ourselves and others so that we can move on and get on with lives. There is no point to dwell on own or other people’s mistakes and setting conditions for them to repent or change. The “conditions apply’ mindset produces disappointment, anxiety and disillusion. Mary Robinson Reynolds, author of “Attitude Alignment: The Art of Getting What You Want”, illustrated in her book that a compassionate response to difficult people and situations yields a positive reaction 70% of the time. Whereas, responding with resentment or anger produces a negative reaction 100% of the time.
Compliment versus complaint. Cultivating and expressing gratitude by giving compliments to others can lift one’s spirit. Giving compliments help people to stay positive and be appreciative of the things and people around them. On the other hand, giving complaints or unconstructive criticism can ruin one’s spirit. In reality, only a small percentage of things will fail or go wrong. Focus on the positive side of things and people around us and be generous in giving compliments.
Cooperation versus competition. Cooperation is an attitude of the mind and heart that is based on the paradigm of abundance. It works on the premise that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. No man is an island. We all live and work in an interdependent world where cooperation can bring about better ideas and solutions. Cooperation brings positive energies to people working together and those around them. On the other hand, competition can erodes team’s synergy and cohesiveness. If the attitude of cooperation is lacking or low, it can result in low trust, backbiting, in-fighting, protective communication and office politics.
Contentment versus comparison. Contentment is the attitude of being happy with who you are and what you have. Focus on one’s strengths rather than one’s weaknesses. Identify opportunities and always seek way to maximum your strengths so that you can better contribute to the organisation, family and community. On the other hand, comparison encourages envy, which can threaten a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
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