You can develop a positive attitude by taking passionate action toward living your life, according to David Schwartz, PhD, author of "The Magic of Thinking Big." Positive attitudes can be developed over time as a result of the activities in which you participate, the uplifting experiences you have and the people with whom you surround yourself. In turn, expressing a positive attitude may improve your relationships with friends and family, attract other positive people and create opportunities for personal growth and advancement.
Travel
Travel can be a helpful way to learn positive attitudes. Visiting other countries allows you to observe the way other people live and to make friends from diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions, and it simultaneously teaches you to be independent and rely on others for help. Travel also teaches you about tolerance, respect and the importance of cross-cultural exchange. But you don't have to visit other countries to benefit from travel. Even traveling within your own geographic area can broaden your horizons and affect your attitude in a positive way. Travel, no matter where you go, may remind you of the aspects of your life for which you are thankful or appreciative, or it will at least give you an opportunity to reflect on the direction of your life and your personal goals. Sometimes, even the knowledge that you'll be traveling, meeting new people and seeing new areas can promote a positive attitude or a sense of optimism.
Outdoor Athletic Participation
Participating in outdoor athletic activity is an effective way of developing a positive attitude. Experiential learning of the kind taught and promoted by Outward Bound--a nonprofit outdoor education association--helps you gain a positive outlook on life while allowing you to enjoy the beauty and restorative properties of the natural world. Participation in outdoor athletic activities, such as rock climbing, backpacking and mountaineering, also allows you to realize a physical prowess you may not have known existed, which can improve your confidence and enhance your mood. Many outdoor athletic activities promote both independence and group reliance, both of which can teach you the value of developing and maintaining a positive attitude. A positive attitude in an outdoor endeavor can mean the difference between achieving your goals and falling short of your aspirations.
Artistic Endeavors
Engaging in artistic endeavors, such as painting, creative writing, dancing and acting, can help you learn positive attitudes. According to a study conducted by the Australian Council for the Arts, Australians widely believe that arts are an important part of education, make for a richer and more meaningful life and are a form of expression, inspiration and personal growth. Although it's not true in every case, a positive attitude may be associated with how often your creativity is allowed to flourish. Because participation in artistic endeavors can lead to a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, when you participate in your preferred forms of art, you may feel a sense of optimism or a positive attitude about the direction of your life. The knowledge that you have artistic gifts to share with the world is empowering, and constructive feedback about your artistic creations can further enhance your positive attitude. Creating art is not always easy--and can sometimes be extremely frustrating--but a positive attitude can help you see a project through to completion. Engaging in artistic endeavors on a regular basis can be a powerful way to learn and maintain positive attitudes.
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