The power of being positive extends beyond the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” It’s a way of thinking that can help make the world, or at least your little part of the world, better. Plus, when you’re me and work in a field where rejection happens A LOT, it helps to stay upbeat. Not to mention that when you are a Mets, Bills, Knicks and Sabres fan, positivity is all you’ve got.
The Mets last won it all in 1986. The Knicks in 1970. The Bills have never won a Super Bowl nor have the Sabres ever held Lord Stanley’s Cup over their heads in triumph.
Positive thinking has a lot of physical and mental health benefits. When we have a positive outlook on life, our bodies release endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These endorphins not only reduce stress and anxiety but also boost our immune system, making us more resilient to illnesses. Research suggests that positive thinking can increase our lifespan. This is a nice indication of the real impact positivity can have on our well-being.
But the power of positivity doesn’t stop at improving our health. It also plays a role in our personal and professional lives. People who maintain a positive attitude are more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity. They see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This resilience enables them to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward toward their goals. (See my article last week on the Buffalo Bills, who get kudos this week for a very positive playoff win against the Steelers; we now look forward to Taylor Swift visiting Buffalo on Sunday.)
In the workplace, positivity can be a game-changer. Positive individuals tend to be more motivated, creative, and productive. Positivity is contagious, and it can create a more productive and harmonious work environment. (Although I have to admit a lot of humor comes from pain, but it’s usually others’ pain which is the reason for “America’s Funniest Videos” success. People can’t get enough of watching other people fall or get whacked in their “personal spots.” But I digress.)
Being positive is not just about how we perceive ourselves and our surroundings. It also impacts how others see us. People are naturally drawn to positive individuals as long as they are realistically positive. (Thinking you are going to win the lottery every week is being positive but not realistic.) In personal relationships or professional networking, being positive can open doors and create meaningful connections.
One of the cooler aspects of positivity is its ability to shape our future. When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we set higher goals and work harder to achieve them. This is called, I believe, the “I think I can. I think I can!” effect. Believing in yourself can lead you to some cool places. Positive thinking encourages innovation and problem-solving. It lets us see possibilities where others see roadblocks.
Throughout history, many groundbreaking discoveries and inventions have been the result of folks who refused to accept limitations and instead embraced a positive mindset. From the invention of the lightbulb to the development of life-saving medical treatments, positivity has been a driving force behind human progress. And, who can forget the 1973 Mets powering their way to a World Series with the slogan, “Ya gotta believe!”
If you stay positive, will it power you to a World Series? Most likely not. But if you stay positive and realistic, good things certainly can happen!
John Zakour lives in Geneva. He is a freelance humor writer with a bachelor’s in computer science from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s in human behavior. He is a chief happiness practitioner. He has sold thousands of gags to strips and magazines and had over 50 books published. He writes his own syndicated comic, “Working Daze,” which has anywhere from 30K-100K daily readers. His “Positive Vibes” column runs every Thursday. Contact him at johnzakour@gmail.com. Or, check out his blog at workingdaze.blogspot.com.
POSITIVE VIBES: The positivity of being positive
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18.01.2024
The power of being positive extends beyond the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” It’s a way of thinking that can help make the world, or at least your little part of the world, better. Plus, when you’re me and work in a field where rejection happens A LOT, it helps to stay upbeat. Not to mention that when you are a Mets, Bills, Knicks and Sabres fan, positivity is all you’ve got.
The Mets last won it all in 1986. The Knicks in 1970. The Bills have never won a Super Bowl nor have the Sabres ever held Lord Stanley’s Cup over their heads in triumph.
Positive thinking has a lot of physical and mental health benefits. When we have a positive outlook on life, our bodies release endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These endorphins not only reduce stress and anxiety but also boost our immune system, making us more resilient to illnesses. Research suggests that positive thinking can increase our lifespan. This is a nice indication of the real impact positivity can have on our........
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