Here’s a few ways to have a more positive attitude, even when you don’t feel like it.

1. Don’t fake it.
That’s right: you don’t have to pretend to be in a fantastic mood when you aren’t. You don’t have to walk around the office all day beaming as if you’ve achieved nirvana, but you do have to be mindful of other people. Don’t snap at your co-workers or walk around in a huff if you’ve had a “not so great” morning. Take a deep breath and remind yourself to be polite.

2. It’s better to say “yes” than “no.”
Here’s a scenario: Your boss comes to you with a ridiculous idea that you know will not work. You say, “No way.” Your boss tells you to do it anyway and now you’re both in a lousy mood.

Now here’s an alternate scenario: Your boss comes to you with a ridiculous idea that you know will not work in a million years. You say, “Yes, but can we talk it through first?”

Which scenario will make you seem more amenable? Which scenario shows that you’re paying attention to your work?

3. Ask questions.
This one works in and out of the office: Try to remember a few personal (but not too personal) things about a co-worker and occasionally ask about them. Does the lady down the hall have a son in college? Ask how he’s enjoying his studies. Does the guy in the next cube have a picture of his car on his desk? Ask him about it.

Be careful, you don’t want to get sucked into a 20-minute conversation at work; but if you remember other peoples’ interests, they’re going to remember you as a pleasure to work with.

4. Don’t ever complain or gossip.
This one may be the toughest for some people. Like we said above, you don’t have to pretend to be on cloud nine when you feel like you’re wallowing in mud. But if you feel overworked or disgruntled for any reason, talk to your boss. Resist the urge to complain about it to colleagues, even when they’re close friends.

The same goes for gossip. If someone starts gossiping in the office, don’t feel like you have to cover your ears and run away, just don’t add to the conversation. Don’t ask for details. People will trust you more if you don’t gossip.

5. Say nice things about yourself, to yourself.
At least once a day, look in a mirror and remember something that you like about yourself, no matter how big or small. It could be that you volunteer at the soup kitchen every weekend or that you’re a really good dancer or that you’re good at math. When you remember to be positive with yourself, it’s easier to spread positivity to others.

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