POSATIVE THINKING KEY SUCCESS

Positive thinking brings inner peace, success, improved relationships, better health, happiness and satisfaction. It also helps the daily affairs of life move more smoothly, and makes life look bright and promising.
Positive thinking is contagious. People around you pick your mental moods and are affected accordingly. Think about happiness, good health and success, and you will cause people to like you and desire to help you, because they enjoy the vibrations that a positive mind emits.
In order to make positive thinking yield results, you need to develop a positive attitude toward life, expect a successful outcome of whatever you do, but also take any necessary actions to ensure your success.
Effective positive thinking that brings results is much more than just repeating a few positive words, or telling yourself that everything is going to be all right. It has to be your predominant mental attitude. It is not enough to think positively for a few moments, and then letting fears and lack of belief enter your mind. Some effort and inner work are necessary.
Are you willing to make a real inner change?
Are you willing to change the way you think?
Are you willing to develop a mental power that can positively affect you, your environment and the people around you?
Here are a few actions and tips to help you develop the power of positive thinking:
Always use only positive words while thinking and while talking. Use words such as, 'I can', 'I am able', 'it is possible', 'it can be done', etc.
Allow into your awareness only feelings of happiness, strength and success.
Try to disregard and ignore negative thoughts. Refuse to think such thoughts, and substitute them with constructive happy thoughts.
In your conversation use words that evoke feelings and mental images of strength, happiness and success.
Before starting with any plan or action, visualize clearly in your mind its successful outcome. If you visualize with concentration and faith, you will be amazed at the results.
Read at least one page of inspiring book every day.
Watch movies that make you feel happy.
Minimize the time you listen to the news and read the papers.
Associate yourself with people who think positively.
Always sit and walk with your back straight. This will strengthen your confidence and inner strength.
Walk, swim or engage in some other physical activity. This helps to develop a more positive attitude.
Think positive and expect only favorable results and situations, even if your current circumstances are not as you wish them to be. In time, your mental attitude will affect your life and circumstances and change them accordingly.
Follow the tips and suggestions in this article, and prove to yourself the reality the power of positive thinking. More advanced and powerful techniques, instructions and exercises can be found in the following books:
Visualize and Achieve
Affirmations - Words of Power
When you expect success and say "I can", you fill yourself with confidence and joy.
Fill your mind with light, hope and feelings of strength, and soon your life will reflect these qualities.

The Power of Positive Thinking

by Remez Sasson

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conductive to growth, expansion and success. It is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds.
Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the subject as just nonsense, and others scoff at people who believe and accept it. Among the people who accept it, not many know how to use it effectively to get results. Yet, it seems that many are becoming attracted to this subject, as evidenced by the many books, lectures and courses about it. This is a subject that is gaining popularity.
It is quite common to hear people say: "Think positive!", to someone who feels down and worried. Most people do not take these words seriously, as they do not know what they really mean, or do not consider them as useful and effective. How many people do you know, who stop to think what the power of positive thinking means?
The following story illustrates how this power works:
Allan applied for a new job, but as his self-esteem was low, and he considered himself as a failure and unworthy of success, he was sure that he was not going to get the job. He had a negative attitude towards himself, and believed that the other applicants were better and more qualified than him. Allan manifested this attitude, due to his negative past experiences with job interviews.
His mind was filled with negative thoughts and fears concerning the job for the whole week before the job interview. He was sure he would be rejected. On the day of the interview he got up late, and to his horror he discovered that the shirt he had planned to wear was dirty, and the other one needed ironing. As it was already too late, he went out wearing a shirt full of wrinkles.
During the interview he was tense, displayed a negative attitude, worried about his shirt, and felt hungry because he did not have enough time to eat breakfast. All this distracted his mind and made it difficult for him to focus on the interview. His overall behavior made a bad impression, and consequently he materialized his fear and did not get the job.
Jim applied for the same job too, but approached the matter in a different way. He was sure that he was going to get the job. During the week preceding the interview he often visualized himself making a good impression and getting the job.
In the evening before the interview he prepared the clothes he was going to wear, and went to sleep a little earlier. On day of the interview he woke up earlier than usual, and had ample time to eat breakfast, and then to arrive to the interview before the scheduled time.
He got the job because he made a good impression. He had also of course, the proper qualifications for the job, but so had Allan.
What do we learn from these two stories? Is there any magic employed here? No, it is all natural. When the attitude is positive we entertain pleasant feelings and constructive images, and see in our mind's eye what we really want to happen. This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and happiness. The whole being broadcasts good will, happiness and success. Even the health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall and the voice is more powerful. Our body language shows the way you feel inside.
Positive and negative thinking are both contagious.
All of us affect, in one way or another, the people we meet. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level, through thoughts and feelings transference, and through body language. People sense our aura and are affected by our thoughts, and vice versa. Is it any wonder that we want to be around positive people and avoid negative ones? People are more disposed to help us if we are positive, and they dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity.
Negative thoughts, words and attitude bring up negative and unhappy moods and actions. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negativity. This is the way to failure, frustration and disappointment.

Practical Instructions

In order to turn the mind toward the positive, inner work and training are required. Attitude and thoughts do not change overnight.
Read about this subject, think about its benefits and persuade yourself to try it. The power of thoughts is a mighty power that is always shaping our life. This shaping is usually done subconsciously, but it is possible to make the process a conscious one. Even if the idea seems strange give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain. Ignore what others might say or think about you, if they discover that you are changing the way you think.
Always visualize only favorable and beneficial situations. Use positive words in your inner dialogues or when talking with others. Smile a little more, as this helps to think positively. Disregard any feelings of laziness or a desire to quit. If you persevere, you will transform the way your mind thinks.
Once a negative thought enters your mind, you have to be aware of it and endeavor to replace it with a constructive one. The negative thought will try again to enter your mind, and then you have to replace it again with a positive one. It is as if there are two pictures in front of you, and you choose to look at one of them and disregard the other. Persistence will eventually teach your mind to think positively and ignore negative thoughts.
In case you feel any inner resistance when replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, do not give up, but keep looking only at the beneficial, good and happy thoughts in your mind.
It does not matter what your circumstances are at the present moment. Think positively, expect only favorable results and situations, and circumstances will change accordingly. It may take some time for the changes to take place, but eventually they do.
Another method to employ is the repetition of affirmations. It is a method which resembles creative visualization, and which can be used in conjunction with it. It is the subject of another article on this website.
The other articles at this website, about the power of concentration, will power, self-discipline and peace of mind also contribute to the development of a positive mind, and are recommended for reading and practicing.

EVERYTHING STARTS WITH ATTITTUDE

The most important decision we make in our lives is the attitude we choose to express each day when dealing with people or circumstances. This critical choice determines success or failure in sales and in life. The key is the realization that we choose. That’s right. You purposefully choose your attitude. Choosing a positive state of mind will lead to virtually unlimited success in your career and your life. A negative attitude will lead to unhappiness, poor relationships, difficulty at work and ultimately, poor health. In fact, the most common causes of death in the United States are heart disease and cancer, which are related to stress. Stress is a result of a negative attitude, carried out via perceptions, choices and behaviors.

Where Does Attitude Come From?
One of the most powerful questions I ask during training sessions is: "Where does attitude come from?" Often the group will think for a moment. Many will respond with comments such as, "Work," "People," "Traffic" and other examples. Finally, a brave individual will announce, "Attitude comes from within us." This often leads to a chorus of ah-has as people begin to realize the power in that statement. You determine your attitude. We may blame others, circumstances or events for our situation; however, the key is our response to those things or people.

As you read this article, think about your day. We usually have a series of encounters with things and people whom we feel cause a reaction in us. In fact, we choose that reaction. We can choose to respond in a positive or negative way to these challenges. Your challenge, especially in sales, is always to respond with a positive attitude.

Consequences of a Negative Attitude A sustained negative attitude will kill you. By far, the worst side-effect of a bad attitude is stress and the top fatal diseases in this country are caused, in large part, by stress. Stress turns quickly into anxiety, depression and ulcers. Now that you know you have the power to choose, why choose negative attitudes? Sales people with negative attitudes struggle and have difficulty closing sales. One common statement coming from negative salespeople is, "I’m not negative, I am realistic." This is an excuse for being negative. Reality is what you make it. Make it positive.

Rewards of a Positive Attitude 
People like to be around positive people. In sales, customers like to buy from positive people who have confidence in what they are selling and help their customers enjoy the buying process. People do not want to be sold, but they love to buy and own. Having a positive attitude will improve your relationships, make you happier and lead to success. The rewards of a positive attitude are enormous, if you are willing to keep your spirits up over the long term.

Everything is a Learning Experience 
Everything that happens to you in your life is a learning experience. This is positive. We may have hoped for a different outcome, but face the facts in a positive light and move on. Let yourself become stronger from the experience, rather than weaker, full of doubt and stressed. Experience is just another word for mistake. Learn from these experiences by choosing a positive attitude that prepares you for the next challenge in life, which is right around the corner.

Avoid Negative People 
One of the tragic parts of negative attitudes is that misery loves company. Negative people will search out others and attempt to bring them down to their level. This is how negative attitudes spread. Their negative influence feels powerful and they use it as a self-esteem boost. People do this in attempt to feel better about themselves, but the end result is short-lived and unproductive. In sales, it is hard enough dealing with rejection from your prospects and customers. Find positive people and let their attitudes stick to you.

Being Positive is not Easy 
In my work as a manager, I have found that there are basically two kinds of people -- those who take responsibility for their lives and those who blame others. People who take responsibility for their situations are positive people who see the world as a good place. They have made the conscious decision to be this way. This is not easy; however, understanding these basic principles about attitude are the first steps. Keep in mind, choosing your mental attitude is the only thing you can control in your life. Learn and practice a positive mental attitude, and enjoy the rewards.

Tom Young, MBA is a marketing consultant helping companies increase revenues.

Negativitis’ cripples the human spirit

Does it seem strange that some people COMPLAIN they don’t have enough TIME to be happy, yet they find enough time to be sad? Not really. You see, their deplorable plight has nothing to do with having sufficient or insufficient time. It has everything to do with complaining. After all, complaining is the negation of happiness. It’s impossible to complain and be happy at the same time.

So, beware of that insidious disease known as ‘negativitis’ (negative thinking). It is as pervasive as the common cold, but far more damaging. It mutilates, cripples, and corrodes the human spirit. Those infected by it are broken men and women aimlessly plodding along. The dark clouds brooding over them obscure their vision and cause them to become confrontational, apathetic, and cynical. Their lives are like flat champagne, without any sizzle. So, how do we inoculate ourselves against such a harmful disease? It was only after learning about the horrible effects of smoking that people began to give it up. It may be wise to do the same here. So, let’s review the effects of negativitis.

1. Complaining is worse than doing nothing, for it is digging the rut one is in deeper and deeper. Each time one complains, it becomes increasingly difficult to climb out of the ditch they’ve created. To loosen the grip of this vicious habit, we need to become aware of our complaining, stop it in its tracks, and immediately look for something positive to say. It’s just a matter of replacing a bad habit with a good one.

2. A negative attitude is self-defeating. We won’t find solutions to life’s problems by looking for someone or something to blame. Those who say, "Positive thinking doesn't work for me," have got it backwards. It’s not positive thinking that has to work; YOU have to work. For example, you have to work at appreciating what you have instead of moaning about what you lack.

3. Failure to do what you want to do (be happy) causes physical and mental stress. A rotten attitude, not only delays success, but also shortens life by damaging the immune system (to learn more on how your thoughts affect your immune system, investigate psychoneuroimmunology). So, besides the diseases directly caused by stress, such as heart disease and ulcers, we become susceptible to all manner of other diseases because of a weakened immune system.

4. Do you know anyone with a negative attitude? How many years have they been that way? Two years? Five years? Ten years? That’s how many years of happiness and success they have robbed themselves of. Blinded by their own negativity, they are prevented from seeing the good around them.

5. One characteristic of negative thinkers is their need to have the world behave according to their wishes. They have never grown up and still live with childish demands. Whenever people and the world fail to act according to their selfish wishes, they are unhappy. Such a poisonous attitude prevents them from growing and learning how to cope with life's challenges.

6. Everything negative we say about ourselves to ourselves (self-talk) and to others is a suggestion. We are unwittingly practicing self-hypnosis, programing ourselves for failure, and creating self-fulfilling prophecies.

7. The negative world of our imagination creates a negative world that is real and one that we are forced to live in. Take Ralph, for example. He’s always complaining about life. “Nowadays people are rude and surly. No matter where you go or what you do, you have to deal with ill-bred people.” As he said this, we made our way to a coffee shop. Once inside, we were greeted by a cheerful chap who asked us what we would like. Sighing (as if it took a great effect to speak), Ralph, almost inaudibly, ordered a medium sized regular coffee. When it arrived, he started complaining. Pointing to the cup, he said, “This is medium?” Without waiting for a response, he added, “You should have told me your cups are so small; I would have ordered a large one if I knew.” Despite the long line that Ralph was holding up, the man behind the counter tried to be patient. Without complaint, he took away the small coffee and replaced it with a large one. As soon as it arrived, Ralph looked at it aghast and bellowed, “You call this regular? There’s not enough cream!” The man behind the counter, who only moments ago was cheerful was now upset and sarcastically replied, “Yes, for MOST people, this is regular, but if you INSIST, I’ll put in more cream. Perhaps next time you may want to ask for DOUBLE cream!” I was next, so I got my coffee and joined Ralph at the table. “See,” he told me, “what did I say to you? People are rude.” Yes, in Ralph’s world, people ARE rude, but what he does not realize is he makes them so.

8. A particularly pernicious effect of ‘negativitis’ is that it sets one up for the mentality of a victim. Those with a woe-is-me attitude sit around in misery, waiting to be rescued. But they wait in vain because no one can rescue them from their own attitude. They are the only ones who can change it. And until they do so, they are condemned to continue suffering.

9. Another adverse effect of negativity is that it sets one up for the magic-bullet-syndrome. That is, the victim of ‘negativitis’ spends their time looking for a quick, easy fix, when none exists. By denying a fundamental law of life that states anything worthwhile requires effort to achieve, they achieve nothing. They won’t make progress until they realize that nothing in life is free. They’ve got to be willing to do what it takes to get what they want.

10. Also, beware of the fact that negative people attract other complainers. Because those who live in a world of doom and gloom alienate others, they have no choice but to look for other negative people to associate with. They then feed off one another and get locked in a clique of losers.

11. The constant stress that flows from a negative attitude also saps one’s energy, focus, and motivation. It is hardly a formula for success.

12. Also of great concern is the fact that those who refuse to work on improving their negative attitude may slide into depression, self-pity, and hopelessness.

13. Additionally, negative people not only harm themselves; they harm the world. They cease to make a contribution to it. Instead of helping, they spread gloom and misery everywhere. If they insist on infecting others, why not infect them with laughter? If they must carry something contagious, why not carry a smile?

Imagine being in a small boat drifting in a river. And imagine being unaware that your boat has a motor. As long as you fail to use that motor you will be a captive of the river. You will be a prisoner without any control over your destination. Yet, the boat that we’re in does have a motor. We can use it to change course. That motor is our power of choice. All we have to do is choose to look for the good, for when we do so, that is all we will find

A SECRET

Here's a secret: your attitude is probably going to be one of the biggest determining factors for your future success in your career. Sure, skills, work support, and values will also play a part, but attitude is what you will be known (and remembered) by. Attitude will determine your altitude in your career.
Some companies spell it out in their marketing brochures: We hire for attitude and train for skill. To be frighteningly honest, you need to pay attention to your attitude as you are growing up. A smart company will uncover your existing attitude in or even before the job interview. Not only must you must pay attention to attitude during a job interview, but also when you have landed the job. Attitude is very easy for your managers and colleagues to measure, and measure they will, even if you and they do not realise it, people are always summing each other up.
Attitudes express themselves through words and actions, for example, 'always works hard', shows in people who are willing to take on extra tasks or responsibilities, the words are, I'll do it. 'Constantly grumbles', is easy to discover. 'Is trustworthy', is not likely to be the office gossip.
We will all immediately recognise a bad attitude by what people say. It's not my job, It's not my problem, 'What's in it for me?, Do I have to do this?,are some examples of employee-attitudes that might not go down well when there is work to be done. It is sometimes difficult to make a judgment call, because in some cases a lazy manager will download his or her tasks onto you unfairly. However, don't despair, lazy managers would already have been identified by their superiors for their lazy attitude!
It's even easier (certainly more refreshing) to spot a good attitude. Attitude says something about who a person is, rather than what they do or know. Therefore, someone who says, "thank you" when helped, is grateful. Someone who says, Please, could you help me here?, is willing to learn and keen to keep the job moving. Someone who says, It was really John's good idea, is being trustworthy to a colleague rather than being self-seeking.
It is always much more pleasant to be around persons with a positive outlook on life, than their cranky opposites. Positive people will generally attract more help from colleagues, more satisfaction from customers, and more sales than the average person will. Negative people do have some valuable contributions and add a perspective to what might go wrong, but other than that, are often less productive and less well- connected to fellow workers and customers.
There is an often-quoted story that states: An optimist is someone who sees a glass as half-full, whereas a pessimist sees the same glass as half-empty. But I'll have none of this. Both of those attitudes are neutral to me. A real pessimist is someone who can see the half-empty glass and just know in their hearts that it will soon be knocked over and broken, and that they will be cut! A real optimist would have been less internally focused and seen the person coming around to offer a re-fill and then discuss a raise or a promotion!
I know who I would rather work with, I know who I would rather employ, I know who I would rather promote if I had the long-term good of my company at heart. Can attitude be changed? Yes, and right now! Think of one person who has helped you recently. Now lift the phone and thank them. Can't think of anyone? That's OK .Then get up right now and go and help someone, even if it's to get him or her some tea. Attitude is contagious. Start each day by consciously having a good attitude and it will go better for you and all around you. Attitude is an outward expression of who you are. Start practising early, so that you can make the best of life.
Attitude can be expressed and measured in thousands of ways (words and actions). You may ask, Is there one simple rule for knowing how to behave in a work situation? Yes there is! I have found a quick way to check my own attitude. I ask myself when on the job, How will the company or person who is paying for the work, best benefit from my actions? I then carry out that answer knowing that it is the right (although not always the easiest) thing to do. 

Written for SA Career Focus by Wayne Mallinson

ATTITTUDE PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUCCESS

Does an Older person has a chance to become a successful Home Business Entrepreneur?

Your attitude plays a very important in determining whether you can be a successful Home Business Entrepreneur and make money out of it"

A positive attitude person who start his Home Business career at age 65 can be MORE successful than a young person at age 25 who has a negative attitude"

Do you know that Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken was turned down about a thousands time trying to sell his secret chicken recipe" He maintain a positive attitude despite his many rejections and firmly believe in himself and his secret chicken recipe" At the age of 65, he manage to find his success and KFC is now a world wide brand name, creating jobs for zillions of people around the world"

Starting a Home Business requires Colonel Sanders kinds of positive attitude"

First, determine whether it is a viable Home business to commit into by doing some research on the company that you are interested in"

- Does the home business provide you with the necessary business tools to conduct your business?

- Does it provide a good support system such as a company business forum to allowed NEW Home Business Entrepreneur to seek help and asked questions as well as to learn about marketing strategy from those experience Home Business Entrepreneur?

- Does it has a good compensation scheme that pays well and rewards those hardworking Home Business Entrepreneur?

- Has the company been existence for many years and does it practice good business ethics?

Once you determine that the business is workable, go all the way and LEARN whatever it takes to make it a success"

In life and in business, adversity will make its appearances" Obstacles and frustrations are created not to destroy you but to MOLD you into a better person"

The most important attitude a Home Business Entrepreneur MUST adopt is to get into ACTION even if might be a bit MESSY and scary at first"

Successful Entrepreneur JUST DO IT" They might not know how to swim at first but they have the spirit to fight till their last breath and that alone kept them from sinking into the water"

To an Entrepreneur, failure is not a choice" They don't depend on luck and are not afraid to learn no matter how old they are" They believe that the mountains they wish to conquer will not grow taller as they climb closer and closer to the TOP"

Thomas A" Edison quoted: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls, and looks like work""

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) quoted: "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail""

Therefore, maintaining a positive attitude is VERY important for a Home Business Entrepreneur and don't let age destroy your Entrepreneur dream"

Wishing you success in achieving your goal as a Home Business Entrepreneur with many profitable years ahead no matter how old you are"

POSATIVE ATTITUDE

by James Abraham
Choosing our attitude. Have we realized that our attitude is our choice and that we alone can decide how to deal with events in our lives? Have we chosen our attitude? The answer to this question will determine how we position ourselves in life, to face the challenges ahead of us in an effort to revive our flagging economy in Dominica.

Attitude is defined as ones’ feelings or mood toward things, circumstances or people. No matter how we may choose to define attitude, it is one of our priceless possessions. During these times of changes in our beloved land, it is sometimes easy to allow circumstances to rob us of this possession. So you may ask, how can I choose a positive attitude given the current situation?

First, we must know the importance of attitude. It is important to remember attitude is everything. Attitude, whether positive or negative, shows in our daily lives. Many people say attitude is more important than experience or education. They often use attitude as the tiebreaker between two equally qualified candidates.

We cannot change the past or how others act, but we can change our reactions and attitude. A positive attitude is a vital asset at any time. We must portray a positive attitude as we present ourselves. 
Secondly, we must take responsibility for our attitude as well as actions. This will give us strength and control during time of change. Prior to a change, most people are comfortable because the situation is familiar. When situations change, we may experience feelings of fear, anger, sadness, resistance, as well as relief, hope, or excitement.

What we do with these feelings is what makes the difference. We are expressing similar sentiments with respect to the current state of affairs in our country. For instance, the current stabilization and adjustment measures that is in place to revive the flagging economy, the reduction in employees wages, stabilization levy, hike in gas prices and tax on public utilities.

There are discussions on reducing the current parliamentary structure and representatives on the Island. I must admit that I am a strong advocate of that move. William James, the father of modern psychology said, “The most important discovery of our time is that we can alter our lives by altering our attitudes”.

When we are able to find something positive or see possibilities, we will have energy and motivation. Many of us are on the verge of losing homes, cannot afford to pay the mortgages on time and sadly do not receive salaries on time as well. Many take sides and will continue to do so, in blaming one side or the other for the island’s current state of affairs.

It is paramount that, if we learn to manage our attitude, we will not feel paralyzed, and potential benefits will follow:
- We will be able to secure assistance with a positive attitude;
Our self-esteem and productivity in both the private and public sectors will increase;
- We can and must be a role model for our children and others, for our future and hope now lies in the hands of our youths; and
- We will have more energy to pursue our goals and dreams.

Thirdly, we must act to create our own future. A positive attitude will help us create our future instead of being held back by allowing negative feelings to affect our attitude and behavior. A positive attitude must be that centerpiece. Choosing or exhibiting the right attitude is critical to Dominica’s success and the Integrated Development Plan, if there is going to be one? Life offers many possibilities to people with positive attitudes. A positive attitude can enable us as a people to:

. Eliminate corruption and bring honor and dignity to the Dominican people and government;
. More vigorously enforce our laws;
. Bring stability and development as a nation;
. Bring a sense of security to tourist who visits our shores by getting rid of the so-called hoola gangs that plague the streets of our capital and major tourism attractions on the island;
. Promote freedom of the press and print media without fear of victimization and/or governmental interference;
. Return governing of the nation to the people;
. Entrust Dominica to Dominicans;
. Learn new skills;
. Revitalize;
. Privatize;
. Consolidate and restructure ;
. Reevaluate our goals;
. Follow the dreams we have always had; and . Take risks.

The question is do we have any dreams for Dominica? The Integrated Development Pan, in my opinion, is a step in the right direction.

Kofi Anna, Secretary General to the United Nations said in an interview once, “one must have dreams and build castles in the air, as everything are surrounded by a dream”. Having said that, I do have some concerns as to the petty politics, bureaucracy and hindrance because of definitions, personalities, etc that tend to threaten the IDP project.

In the process, we will and must meet new people and learn new things if we are to be competitive and develop our homeland. It is imperative that we recognize also, our own resources and look from within with the same eagerness and respect we exhibit to the outside competitors on our island.

How do we create a positive attitude? Well! We must monitor and correct our attitudes. One of the most difficult yet important tasks is to monitor and correct deterioration in our attitude. Many “red flags” may surface which indicate that our attitude may be slipping.

Some of these flags are fear, procrastination, dismay, self-blame, or bitterness. Boy! Do we have a lot of that in our country? Our politicians, civic leaders, clergymen and women must all be on the lookout for these feelings and behaviors so we can respond positively and direct our thoughts and actions to more results oriented activities.

It is imperative that we continue to maintain structure with our time. Studies show that when we find ourselves in changing situations, it is important to maintain structure and routine. This helps in keeping positive attitudes. Structure will help us stay motivated, on task, and see the steps we need to take to show progress. Unfortunately, it would appear that our politicians have not mastered that art in the interest of nation building.

Our politicians both past and current must recognize that they have to involve the people in determining the direction our country should take in these hard times. It serves no meaningful purpose if we do not set high standards and guidelines. Expectation of our public servants and governmental services, focus attention on customer service (an area in need of significant training), of course the enforcement of our laws, the provision of competent and efficient services to both our citizens and visitors to our shores.

We must avoid exclusive programs and implement inclusive programs for all citizens regardless of any political, religious, sex or other affiliations. We have to establish incentive that will encourage returning Dominicans back home.

As is, the current climate tends to run our most valued resources, our people to the shores of Guadeloupe, St. Martin, Antigua, Canada, Europe, Barbados and the United States. Interestingly, it may be argued and even be proven that nearby Antigua may soon have more Dominicans residing there than the entire Dominican population.

Why are all these citizens leaving in mass numbers and in the prime of their lives to places like even Guadeloupe? Clearly, something is wrong with this picture and we have to recognize that fact, if we are to develop Dominica and change our attitude. It is paramount that we must change our mindset as well, if we are to change our attitude.

Finally, we must engage ourselves in positive self-talk. People talk to themselves all throughout the day. We must stop ourselves when we realize we are talking negatively. We must attempt to replace negative messages with positive messages.

Change “I will never… with me am going to…” We must avoid being hooked on the European and American influences. The influences of television and channels such as BET, etc have and will have some effects on our formative and cultural upbringing. Choosing a positive attitude.

Based on these facts, we have to surround ourselves with positive people who encourage us and help develop us. Unfortunately, attitudes are like magnets. Positive attitudes attract positive results. Spending time with positive people who make us feel good about ourselves and the current situation will help maintain a positive attitude.

It will take and does require hard work to succeed, but we will find that it can be accomplished more effectively with a positive attitude. Our positive attitude will be valued and appreciated by those around us. Remember when changes come our way, and it will, we can and must remain in control by of course, controlling our attitudes and responding positively to that change.

With that said, I forewarn that I am not advocating silence on issues affecting our beloved country as to the contrary I believe that if we continue to remain “silent” we will not effect positive change to which I speak.