Opinion: Negative attitude? 5 ways to fix it

Feeling swamped by too much negativity lately? You’re not alone. Negative news, politics, money issues, global conflicts and never-ending dissatisfaction can drain our energy and productivity. This caustic vibe is all too familiar, seeping into both personal and work life.

Negative attitudes can develop into all-out chronic complaining and incessant pessimism, creating an environment that is not only unproductive but toxic – and exhausting when you’re forced to constantly hear it. A colleague who is always complaining or criticizing but never offers any solutions can affect not only their mental health but also create a ripple effect on those around them. 

Imagine for a moment someone who is consistently negative. They tend to expect the worst, focusing on problems, faults and failures. Now imagine someone who has an optimistic bent, tends to look for the silver lining in situations and focuses on problem-solving rather than constantly griping about what’s wrong with their co-workers or an issue. Who would you rather work with?

Positivity can improve mental and physical well-being but also boost team productivity and enhance relationships. With all the negativity today, it seems more critical than ever that we cultivate an environment of optimism both in our workplaces and in our personal lives. However, instilling a strong sense of optimism in the culture doesn’t mean we ignore the fact that a situation may be serious or even threatening to our business. It’d be foolish to shirk our responsibility to address and solve a challenging problem effectively. 

We have the power to set our minds on the positive while maintaining a practical perspective on the vagaries and challenges of business such as losing sales, failed expansion plans and dealing with employee or customer problems. The trick is not to allow negativity in our environment to get out of hand. Here are five ways that can help.

1. Communicate the impact. Make a conscious effort to use “I” statements, instead of “you” statements. Express specifically how the person’s negativity impacts you, for instance, “I feel drained when our conversations are overloaded with complaints.” This approach avoids blame and encourages the other person to understand the impact of their negativity.
2. Replace negatives with positives. Amid a sea of complaints, intentionally shift the focus to positive aspects. For instance, instead of empathizing endlessly with someone’s complaints or negative rants, acknowledge them but then draw attention to the good. A subtle shift in dialogue can make a significant difference.
3. Redirect the conversation to solutions. Rather than fixate on the problems, guide the conversation towards finding solutions. Try asking, “So, can you step me through how you think we can fix this?” or, “Thanks for bringing the problem to my attention; what can our team do to improve?” Encourage brainstorming and ask open-ended questions. It prompts a more constructive approach.
4. Limit exposure to negativity by setting boundaries for yourself and your team. Reduce contact with persistently negative individuals or avoid topics that trigger negativity. I’ve had two clients that had to let go of their top sales producer because of their persistent negativity, despite months of efforts to address it. Protecting your environment from excessive negativity is crucial for maintaining a positive atmosphere.
5. Establish a balanced approach. It’s vital to recognize when negativity is overshadowing positivity and overwhelming your conversations and interactions. I know one couple that grants the other person the right to interrupt too much negativity with, “Can you identify the positives for a moment, and can we talk about those for a while?” Don’t ignore negative communications altogether but adopt a realistic perspective. It’s like looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses – the reality may be harsh, but at least the view is not as negative as it could be. 

Constant negative vibes are harmful. When we acknowledge the positive things in our lives, while being aware of the problems and shortcomings, we can shift our focus away from the constant forces of too much negativity. The result is more joy and fulfillment in our daily lives. We have the power to choose our own attitude – every day.

Mark Holmes is a consultant, professional speaker and author of “Selling to ELON! Understand, Communicate and Sell to Unique Personality Types,” and he’s president of Springfield-based Consultant Board Inc. and SalesRevenueCoach.com. He can be reached at mark@salesrevenuecoach.com.