It’s amazing how easily overlooked the power of being positive is, especially at work.
Your positivity can be the only thing standing between you being mediocre or exceptional at your job.
I know, it can be quite hard to stay positive in a toxic work environment.
And sometimes your positivity can wane after a while.
You may start super enthusiastic and excited but after a couple of months, everything just seems “meh”.
There’s just no motivation or positivity left in you.
I believe this is a normal phase in the life of every working adult.
The excitement phase and the “meh” phase.
The good thing is there are a few things you can do to help you remain positive, even in a negative workplace.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
How To Be Positive In A Negative Work Environment
1. Look For The Silver Lining
If you feel there are situations with absolutely no positive side, you’re wrong.
Every situation has a positive side, the problem is sometimes we let the negative side combined with negative thoughts cloud our reasoning. And that is understandable.
But if you want to stay positive at work you have to always remember to look for the silver lining.
Even in situations where it may seem pretty hard to do so. This way you not only remain positive but are productive at work as well.
2. Don’t Forget To Unwind
One reason why it’s hard to be positive at work is that we are carrying around so much tension, and always overthinking and stressing.
This is why I recommend that you find a way to unwind after every stressful day.
The good part is unwinding can be as stress-free as lighting a scented candle, taking a nice long bath, and massaging your body with some aromatherapy oils right after. Or it can be coming back from work and reading a book.
Basically, unwinding is doing anything that helps you release the stress and tension that has been your companion throughout the day.
3. Start With A Smile
I know you’re probably thinking, “that’s so cliche” and probably rolling your eyes.
But the way you start your day will determine how the rest of it will go.
So if you start the day grumpy, angry, and irritated, it’s not going to be a great day for ya.
So if you want to be positive at work, start your day on a positive note.
It may be difficult to do this if you’re going through a rough patch and that’s quite understandable.
If you’re struggling and find it hard to muster up an ounce of positivity for work, it may be great to take some time off to yourself.
4. Romanticize Your Life
To some people romanticizing one’s life is living in a constant state of delusion. But I beg to differ, I think of it as more of a when life hands you lemons, make lemonade situation.
All you’re doing is taking what you’re given and adding a little extra spice.
It’s finding a way to make everything little thing seem just a bit better and taking joy in it.
If you constantly take yourself, life, and everything around you too seriously, you’ll always struggle to be positive.
So loosen up and add a little pizzazz.
5. Spread Positivity
People say, ” if you can’t beat them, join them”, I say, ” why beat them when you can help them?” (Yes, I know it’s more of a question than a saying)
You will find that helping and making other people smile is a great way to be positive in the workplace.
You can do this by giving your coworkers compliments on their work, praising them to other colleagues, and even buying them coffee.
Putting a smile on the face of others is a sure way to make you smile as well.
When everyone around you is happy, you’d find that you’d be as well.
Happiness is very contagious, especially when it’s genuine.
A healthy work environment equals a positive one, making it so much easier for you to stay positive.
6. Move With The Tide
As long as you’re living on planet earth, there are bound to be surprises. Whether you like it or not, you can’t control everything.
And you can’t reverse what’s already been set in motion. But what you can do is play along.
It’s so easy to become negative when you are constantly worrying about the things you can’t change.
Your boss decides to give you more responsibilities, or you have to train a newbie, take on an unexpected project, etc.
All this can throw off your balance a little bit instead of letting it steal your positivity, just roll with it.
7. Be Nice To Yourself
It is possible that you push yourself too hard, and that makes it hard for you to be positive.
Yes, it’s good to be disciplined and have a great work ethic. But you’re only human. Cut yourself some slack.
Don’t rob yourself of happiness because you’re trying to be exceptional at your job. You can be happy and still be great at your job.
So if you want to be more positive, be nice to yourself. Speak kind words to yourself, say your daily affirmations, and inject life into yourself.
Do all this and you won’t need to try to be positive.
Staying Positive At Work
Being positive at work is certainly something you can achieve and with these 7 ways, staying positive will not be a chore.
The NetWerk community is here to assist you with numerous resources to help you in the workplace and to help you be the best version of yourself.