The Power of Positivity

If you wish to instruct others, a positive and dogmatical manner in advancing your sentiments may occasion opposition and prevent a candid attention. If you desire instruction from others, you should not, at the same time, express yourself fixed in your present opinions. Modest and sensible men, who do not love disputation, will leave you undisturbed in the possession of your errors. In adopting such a manner, you can seldom expect to please your hearers, or obtain the concurrence you desire." Benjamin Franklin, taken from his autobiography

I know positivity has a lot to do with the way I live my life, and the above quote by Mr. Franklin really explains how I try to instruct and be instructed. I try to be as positive as I can, no matter what it is I'm doing or how I'm feeling. I realized as a young adult that the key to my success was a positive attitude. Yeah, I had to still learn things to get a job, but all things being equal, the attitude of gratitude that I have is really what's gotten me further than anything else I've ever done.

I'm thankful for all that I have, and also often, though not often enough, thankful for what I don't have. I'm grateful I have a fantastic wife, enough food to eat, clothes to wear, and a job I love. I'm also thankful I don't have any life threatening illnesses, I don't have to drive an hour or more to work, and I don't dread being at my job one bit.

So what's the power of positivity? The power of positivity is like a magnet that draws people to you, especially other positive people, or people who long to know what it takes to be a positive person. Conversely, negative people who do not want to be proactive and make their life better are repelled by you. I see this happen to me almost every day as a positive person. People don't want to just "complain" to me because they know that I'll challenge them to take action, to make it great, and do something about the problems their complaining about.

This is why my blog, and upcoming book, are called MAKE IT GREAT! not "Have a nice day" or something equally lame. Take charge, and make your life something better.

More on the power of positivity: By attracting others that are positive to your life, you are able to use those people's knowledge, energy, and love to help you achieve more than you ever thought possible. I've been blessed enough to meet some of these fabulous people online, and even more of them in person. The more positive people you surround yourself with, the more energy you have, the more energy you can share, and the more you are able to do. Plus, positive people are more apt to find solutions instead of just problems. This is why it's so important to be deliberate in selecting who you spend your time with (see my post on Choose Your Friends, Choose Your Fate!)

One final note to keep in mind: You don't get the Power of Posititivity by accident! You can only experience the Power of Positivity by consistently choosing your attitude, choosing to Make it Great! instead of having a nice day, and choosing other positive people to spend your time with.

Making it a Great Day, today, and every day!
Phil

Phil Gerbyshak http://makeitgreat.org