A small thing that makes a big difference

Author Dr. James Groce

Updated July 23, 2025

We have choices every day. We may not be able to choose our relatives or our neighbors, but each morning we can choose our attitude. Don’t wait to see what kind of day you will have; decide how you are going to approach the day. Give yourself a pep talk as you are getting ready for work. Every morning, I talk to “the man in the mirror” for a minute or two. I review my goals for the day and remind myself of the mantra “aim high, work hard, stay humble”. A brief pep talk can help you maintain a positive attitude and influence the way you see and the way you respond to the challenges that happen that day. Maintaining a positive attitude can be difficult during tough times, but it can improve both our mental and physical health. Maintaining positivity reduces stress, improves our relationships, and improves our problem-solving skills by fostering a mindset focused on solutions rather than problems.

To cultivate a positive attitude, try to watch for any negative thoughts and actively replace them with constructive ones. Additionally, surrounding yourself with uplifting individuals or activities can help you reduce negativity. To cultivate a positive attitude, try these strategies:

  1. Practice gratitude: reflecting on the things we are thankful for changes the focus from problems to blessings.
  2. A Healthy lifestyle: get regular exercise, adequate rest, and a balanced diet.
  3. Set realistic goals to maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” Willie Nelson