Embarking on the journey of their professional lives, graduates may find the idea of changing the course a bit daunting. They feel like having a crash course that could walk them through the important aspects of the professional world. Like any other recent college pass-out, Vaibhav was a bit apprehensive about the next chapter of his life. He wanted someone to guide him to make him better understand the essence of professionalism. It is when he approached his uncle, Sivaranjan, who was an esteemed professional at one of the major corporations in India.
Sivaranjan marked time for his nephew and walked him through the untouched and uncharted trails of the professional world. They have covered miles together on the journey of professionalism and this segment will be the last feather in the cap of professionalism. Sivaranjan glanced at Vaibhav and said, “All set to put the last brick to your edifice?”
Yes, uncle, I am super thrilled and excited to experience the real world, said Vaibhav with fervor.
Ok, then quickly tell me everything we have covered till now, asked Sivaranajn.
Uncle, we have covered the following topics so far The myths and realities of professionalism, the power of effective communication skills, the importance of nonverbal communication – body language, power dressing, effective verbal communication, introduction to written communication, email etiquette, the importance of values, how building habits shape our lives, working together can boost our productivity, the power of interpersonal relations in the workplace, how to manage workplace conflict, problem-solving and decision-making, and people reading skills.
I am amazed at the way we explored so many aspects of professionalism together and ecstatic to share that I will write a book to help the freshers to get through the hue and cry to better understand the concepts of professionalism, announced Sivaranjan.
Wow, uncle, it would help so many individuals like me to write their own success stories. It would turn the tables for us and will make us work on being better individuals and professionals altogether, said Vaibhav.
That’s the thought, Vaibhav, smiled Sivaranjan.
Let’s get going then.
We all know about Sachin Tendulkar, a cricket legend, a leading run-scorer, and a century-maker in Test and One Day International cricket. He is the only player to score one hundred international centuries, the first batsman to score a double century in an ODI, and the holder of the record for the most number of runs in both ODI and Test cricket. Tendulkar retired from cricket in 2013. He became the youngest player in history to score a Test fifty. Tendulkar, who was only 16 at the time, accomplished this feat during the second Test match between India and Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1989. He faced a pace battery led by the buoyant Imran Khan along with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
Facing such fast bowlers was not for faint-hearted players, and Sachin stood his ground even after getting hit on the nose. He would have stepped back when he got hurt, instead, he thought through his injury and then decided to stick to the crease for the next 30 minutes to get used to the pace. He carried on and emerged with flying colors. Tendulkar and Sanjay Manjrekar stitched a 143-run partnership for the fifth wicket in that match when India was struggling at 101/4.
He played valiantly that day, his upbeat demeanor and positive attitude got him accolades all over the world. Tendulkar etched his name in history as the ‘greatest batter of all time,’ and he has also anointed the ‘Master Blaster.’
Vaibhav, it was his attitude towards the situation that made him stand firm that day and he became the country’s favorite cricketer in that instant. When a person breathes a positive attitude, he can make anything possible, said Sivaranjan.
One more powerful example of a consistent positive mental attitude is Kapil Dev – also called Haryana Hurricane is considered one of the greatest all-rounders and one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. He is best known for leading the Indian cricket team to their first World Cup victory in 1983. Nobody thought the underdog team would knock the wind out of the West Indies, a nearly unbeatable cricket team of that time. The entire tournament was an upheaval for the Indian cricket team as not a soul believed that India would hoist the World Cup Trophy on the Lord’s balcony.
Right from the beginning, the Indian cricket team was mocked to show the audacity to play for the World Cup. The only person who believed in taking home the trophy was Kapil Dev, who said, “We are here to win the World Cup, what else are we here for,” when an interviewer asked what are your team’s chances in the World Cup? Everyone in the room laughed at his answer, even his team thought he was out of his mind to think like that, to beat two times World Cup winner – West Indies. However, Kapil kept saying they will win the World Cup, no matter the dwindling hopes to win.
Gradually his team picked up the attitude and started showing sheer individual brilliance on the field. Finally, India beat the mighty West Indies by 43 runs to script history at Lord’s. After the final game, West Indies captain Clive Lloyd said, “Indian cricket has debarked and it is here to stay.”
A consistent positive mental attitude can do wonders and have a powerful impact on an individual’s overall well-being. It leads to increased resilience in the face of challenges, improved mood and self-esteem, and better relationships with others. It leads to better decision-making and problem-solving abilities in challenging situations.
Research suggests that a positive mental attitude can be contagious. When people interact with others who have a positive attitude, it can be infectious and can rub off on them, influencing their own mood and outlook. A positive attitude can also create a more supportive and productive environment, leading to better communication and collaboration among team members. Studies have shown that individuals who work in positive environments tend to be more engaged, motivated, and productive, said Sivaranjan.
Uncle, the way you have explained a positive attitude is truly fascinating. It will be life-long ingrained in my mind, said Vaibhav.
So, let’s venture into the realm of consistent positive mental attitude today, said Sivaranjan.
I cannot wait, said Vaibhav.
What Is a Positive Mental Attitude?
A positive mental attitude (PMA) means looking at each situation and challenge in life with optimism. This concept was first introduced by author Napoleon Hill in his 1937 self-help book “Think And Grow Rich.” Throughout the book, he explains how having the right mindset attracts good things and increases your chances of success.
Later, he elaborated on the topic by writing a separate book titled “Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude.” This best-seller teaches readers that their mindset and attitude affect their health, happiness, and success. A positive mindset, according to the positive mental attitude philosophy, is synonymous with hope, optimism, courage, and kindness. It also means resisting negativity and hopelessness, even in difficult circumstances.
When times are tough Vaibhav, you can manage your emotions in a positive and constructive way with a positive mental attitude. A positive mental attitude is a choice. It promises that by choosing to see the positive side of life and make the best of any situation, you will create a better reality for yourself, explained Sivaranjan.
Jim Carrey, a major Hollywood star, is a firm believer in the power of a positive mindset. Long before he became a successful superstar, he began to believe that he would get there someday. He wrote himself a check for $10 million, gave himself a timeline of 5 years, and dated it Thanksgiving 1995. Right before Thanksgiving 1995, he found out that he was going to make $10 million on Dumb and Dumber. However, later he buried the check with his father.
It’s hard to believe that these techniques helped Carrey become one of the world’s biggest stars. When Oprah questioned him, he said that hard work was the real key to success. “Well, yeah, that’s the thing, you can’t just visualize and then go eat a sandwich,” Carrey said.
Hallmarks Of Positive Mental Attitude
Vaibhav, you have to keep in mind that a positive mental attitude at its core keeps you fighting for your ‘why,’ the why of your existence, and makes you go a long way. Of course, the key is not to become perpetually optimistic. The truth is that anyone can cultivate a positive mental attitude and it can certainly set you up for success. However, the time when you will get successful or the time you will be successful totally depends on your efforts. It means success is guaranteed, provided you’re acting on it.
It is difficult to maintain a positive attitude always at any given point in time. If you focus solely on the positive side of any situation, you may probably not see the perceived risks which are coming in that real-time situation. So, while it is important to be positive, also look at the risks and do not lose sight of the complete picture.
“It is easy to preach optimism, however, putting it into practice and genuinely devoting yourself to it is the trickiest part.”
Here is the roadmap to understanding how to maintain a consistently positive mental attitude.
1. Resistance vs Acceptance
We have a natural tendency to label a situation as good or bad. But what if we stop judging it as good or bad and just let it be? Accepting things as they are is the idea behind radical acceptance. Because you don’t have a negative attitude when things go wrong, you can take the best course of action in any situation.
“Things happen in life that are beyond our control, but the way we respond to them makes all the difference in our experience.”
2. Courage
It allows you to pursue your goals without fear of failure, rejection, or other irrational fears. Instead of being afraid of failure, courageous people view it as an opportunity to learn. This positive mindset makes it easier to achieve your goals and grow personally and professionally.
Chetna Gala Sinha, a resident of a rural village community, shares stories of successful initiatives undertaken by the women of her village at a TED event in Vancouver. She describes their struggles and trials, as well as how they persisted in taking control of their lives on their own. “My courage is my capital,” she says.
3. Practice gratitude
People who are grateful for even the smallest pleasures in life are happier and healthier. They express and feel gratitude for the good things in their lives, such as family, good health, or even a sunny day. Keeping a gratitude journal is a common practice among those with a positive mindset.
Oprah started a gratitude journal sixteen years ago and began writing down five things she was grateful for every day. Oprah says that acknowledging the goodness in her life, from fresh flowers to the kindness of a stranger, made her more receptive to it.
4. Resilience
Resilience is defined in positive psychology as the ability to recover from stressful and challenging life events. Resilient people deal with difficult situations with ease and do not succumb to negative emotions during difficult times.
Gautam Adani, founder, and chairman of the Adani Group did not have an easy ticket to success, he faced tremendous adversities early on in his life. He had to drop out of his graduation and started working as a diamond sorter in Mumbai due to a financial crunch. However, the young Adani was not deterred by his early setbacks, and he established a diamond trading business, earning his first million by the age of 20. Adani persisted and, in a short period of time, established one of India’s most well-known business houses, an $8 billion professionally managed empire.
5. Appreciate Small wins
It can be an important part of maintaining a positive mental attitude. It can help you focus on your success, rather than dwelling on your failures or shortcomings. It can help to break down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier to see progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating small wins can also help to boost self-esteem, and make individuals feel good about themselves and their abilities.
According to Harvard Business School researcher Teresa Amabile, people who tracked their small achievements every day increased their motivation. The simple practice of tracking your progress allows you to appreciate your small victories, which boosts your confidence and performance.
Vaibhav, a positive mental attitude in life and at work is a powerful skill. It helps you overcome adversity as well as enhances your coping mechanisms, said Sivaranjan.
I understand the concept well, uncle. Could you please tell me the ways to maintain a positive mental attitude, asked Vaibhav.
Yes, we are getting there, said Sivaranjan.
Vaibhav, we can cultivate optimism through the way we think and act. Let me elaborate on it.
How To Maintain A Consistent Positive Mental Attitude?
Change your perspective and it can influence your life in a positive way. By simply rephrasing your sentences, you can take it as an opportunity to do something productive. Assume you are accompanying your father to the bank. This may appear to be a chore at first. “I have to take my father to the bank,” you think to yourself. Instead of “I have to” say “I get to.”
In other words, consider this moment as a chance to spend some time with your father in your hectic schedule. It will make a difference.
Always smile and treat people with kindness, and before you go down that road, be compassionate and kind to yourself. Self-compassion can enhance your holistic well-being and people are drawn to those who get along with others easily.
Eleonor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” You should not take things personally, as other people’s words and actions are the reflections of who they are, and the moment you take their words or actions to heart, you give them power over you.
Always remember Vaibhav that you are on your unique journey and being happy for others’ success comes from someone who practices a positive attitude. You should feel motivated and elated with their success, not jealous.
Uncle, I could never have imagined a positive mental attitude goes to such lengths and breaths. I am starting my journey into the professional world, what will be a better way to embark on my journey with a positive mental attitude, said Vaibhav. I am going to start practicing consistent optimism from now on. I know it will supercharge my performance and keep me on my heels at work.
“Dress up and show up because it is not the situation that challenges us, but our response to the situation.”
Vaibhav, I am sure you will maintain a positive attitude in life and at work for it will bring out the best in you, said Sivaranjan.
https://www.mangalorean.com/strong-positive-attitude-among-successful-personalities/
https://thinkup.me/positive-mindset-affirmations/
https://www.betterup.com/blog/positive-mental-attitude
https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/small-wins-a-reason-to-celebrate/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-secret-mindsets-indian-business-success-stephen-manallack
https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/10-indians-who-succeeded-against-all-odds/
https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/dam/imageserve/641164796/960×0.jpg?format=jpg&width=960
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/dev/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/positive-attitude-cv.png
Written By: Jimmy Jain
Edited By: Afreen Fatima
Society of Design Thinking Professionals
