The wife told me a few months ago that I need to be more positive.  At first I was a little ticked at her for saying that.  “I am positive” would be what I said to myself.  Then I actually started to listen to my internal dialogue.  I kind of quickly realized that my internal dialogue and my quick quips to friends was far from positive.  When I started thinking about it I started to question whether or not I was moving myself in a positive direction, especially with that negative thinking I had rattling around in my head. 

So being a nerd, I started to read.  I found this wonderful blog called Pick The Brain thru another couple of blogs I follow and I started to read.  I would recommend this site to anyone out there.  Even if you are the most positive thinker in the world it can be a nice refresher (at least I hope so, since I am FAR from the most positive thinker). 

The first article is about why Optimists prosper.  I can see many things I am good at in this article.  One key to my success at work is my ability to see solutions where others see problems.  I feel this is one of the biggest contributions to my company I can give.  Even though I feel I am strong in this area, I also feel that sometimes my pessimism rears its ugly head and can limit me.  So I guess what I am saying is that I have room for improvement in that area, even though I feel I can be strong in this area.

The second article is how you can focus on the positive, which to be honest I am not the best at.  I am also not sure that these ways would work for me, or anyone for that matter.  I have to admit that taking time every month to look back and see what you have done and accomplished that month is a good idea.  A good friend of mine suggested to my wife and I that we make a list every week and then cross off items that are done so that you have a sense of accomplishment, that you are moving forward.  He has been thru some rough times with this economy and he has not lost faith, so I think he has an interesting perspective on it all.

I am not sure these articles will help you or me, but they should be passed on to as many people as possible so that we all become more positive.

Did any of these work with you? Do you have better ways to stay positive? Please post them in the comments.

Original Story 1: Why Optimists Prosper [PickTheBrain]

Original Story 2: 4 Simple Ways to Focus on the Positive [PickTheBrain]