A few years ago, Jim and I went on a cycling trip to the French Alps with a dear friend who was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for a brain tumor, (Glioblastoma).  It was his dream to bike the famous S curve climb in Alpe d’Huez, a frequented route of the Tour de France.   Everyday my friend climbed these mountains with a joyous smile on his face and an unwavering determination.  It still gives me the chills the day we biked Alpe d’Huez and seeing the happiness radiate from him as he crossed the official finish line.

There were times when I felt that I couldn’t go on and wanted to stop before the end of the days ride, but I would always turn my attention to my friend and his positive energy and fighting spirit.  Within minutes my mental and even physical tension passed and I settled back into my climb.  My perspective and attitude shifted my resolve and even my physical fatigue!  I was just so thankful to be a part of the incredible experience.

My friend’s joyous attitude spread to all of us on that trip.  We received the gift of his energy through the gratitude and love he exuded to be able to cycle in his dream mountains. We all felt blessed to have experienced the difficult, yet beautiful moments of the trip together.

We are all responsible for the energy we put out into the world.

It is a choice that we fully have control over and that we generate from within ourselves.  Our attitude and energy is something that people feel from us before we even walk into a room.  We must be intentional with the energy and attitude that we generate and give to others.    For some of us, this could be more challenging because we have been conditioned throughout our lives to be more anxious, fearful, and come from a sense of lacking.  I have known many people who have no idea that their body language or intense  energy is negatively impacting others.  Our attitude and energy, whether it is negative or positive will manifest more of the same messages we are sending out.  We must be intentional on how to direct our attitudes!

Positive attitude and energy has scientifically been proven to improve our intellectual ability, athletic ability, relationships, productivity, business successes, health and wellness, illness and injury recovery, and so much more.

According to Shawn Anchor, Positive Psychology Professor at Harvard University, 10% of our long-term happiness is predicted by our external environment. That means that 90% of our long-term happiness is predicted by how our brain processes the world.   The research supports the fact that our energy and attitude is generated from within us.   Focusing on external sources to cure our sense of lacking and provide us with happiness will be a futile endeavor.   I have attached Shawn Anchor’s TED Talk, and I know you will enjoy his humorous approach to presenting his research in the area of Positive Psychology, success and performance. It is fascinating! (Click on image to view video.)

Here are 5 keys ways to create a positive mind-set and attitude:

Self-awareness is key! Mindfulness and meditation will create the space to get in touch with our learned reactivity patterns.   We must check ourselves often to recognize our thoughts, feelings and energy in order to transform them to beneficial and successful ones. Ask the questions, “What are my thoughts?” “What is the truth in this moment?” “How am I expressing my energy?” The more we practice tuning in; we are conditioning ourselves to shift to a higher vibrational output of our energy.

Be the energy pacesetter! Just like my friend, he shared his joy and gratitude with others and this generated more of these same feelings with those around him.   Before I walk into the room where I will be giving a talk or even into social gatherings, I check my energy, pump myself up (or calm down if needed), and put a smile on my face! It brings me happiness to elevate other’s energy and be a positive addition to their day. I am not comfortable in negative environments and I do my best to shift the tone when I am able.   If you bring it, you receive it!

Do something everyday that you love to do that regenerates your energy. When you can do things that empower you and help you to feel successful, you will avoid feeling depleted and have the necessary energy to give.    Moving your body, meditating, gardening, writing in a journal, walking your dog, yoga, making a healthy meal, etc.   Anything that replenishes your energy will do. If you feel that you do not have time for this, please ask yourself, “am I living and giving the best of myself?”

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude – Write down 3 things that you are grateful for in the moment. When we are grateful for our lives, people and experiences, it creates a very hostile environment for negativity to grow.   Shawn Anchor reports in his research that this practice, done for 21 days in a row, retains a pattern in the brain to scan the world, not for the negative, but for the positive first.

Arm yourself with positive self-talk – This begins with the awareness of your inner dialogue. There is a constant stream of thoughts that are running through our heads and much of it consists of unwanted and negative stories. If your inner dialogue supports your greatness, wonderful.   If it is toxic, then Let It Go!

Be prepared to replace negative self-talk with power statements, mantras, and motivational pick-me-ups. Every time you catch and replace unnecessary self-talk, you are retraining and reprogramming your brain to react in accordance to the attitude and energy that you are meant to share.

“You can do this!” “I am meant for more!” “I am fully capable” “I have everything I need to learn and create.” “I am so grateful to be here today.” These are just some examples of what you can say to yourself to generate positive energy.  Use words and statements that are personal and powerful.

At the Wimbledon Championships this year, many of the tennis players had written messages to themselves and would read them between sets.  Even the best in the world need reassurances and to prepare themselves to think and react a particular way!

Take charge and raise your energy to a higher level.

When we do this we are inspired and it flows from us to elevate everything around us. Shifting our attitude and energy from within connects us with powerful thought patterns, emotions and experiences. There are no guarantees in life, therefore our happiness depends on our ability to appreciate what life gives us.  Wishing you all the best in your journey to shape the world you are meant to live!