The attitude of recovery is a positive one. And a positive attitude is at the heart of recovery. Why? Because a positive attitude affects your feelings, which affect your thoughts, which affect your actions—directly affects the recovery process. It all begins with attitude.
What is Attitude?
According to the business dictionary, attitude is “a predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person, or situation. Attitude influences an individual’s choice of action, and responses to challenges, incentives, and rewards.”
Another website likened attitude to a mental habit that filters how you perceive the world around you and also the actions and behaviors you take in response.
Now attitude is more than a predisposition; it’s a habit. In terms of success, attitude is often more important than skill. In terms of recovery, attitude is often the most important thing there is.
The Benefits of a Positive Attitude
A good attitude keeps you motivated
We are all more motivated if we feel positive about ourselves. Feeling incompetent, unworthy, and sorry for yourself is one of the fastest ways to dampen motivation. On the other hand, an optimistic attitude about your day and all the things you have to accomplish will motivate you to achieve your goals.
A good attitude inspires you to do more
How many times have you looked back and thought, “Wow, I can’t believe I actually did that”? Completing a task, mastering a skill, or simply making it through the weekend sober bolsters your self-confidence and gives you fresh hope to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Again, an attitude is more important than skill when it comes to success—you’re attitude is one of the key factors in making your dreams and goals come true
Attitude affects others
Your attitude permeates through your interactions with others. People can see your attitude clearly, and they will respond according to what they see. If you’re a sourpuss who’s constantly complaining and moaning about how hard life is during each and every 12-step meeting, people will tend to avoid you. People in recovery—including you—need encouragement and hope, not negativism.
A Good Attitude affects your health
A positive attitude affects self-esteem and personal motivation. How you think of yourself influences how you care for yourself. People with a negative outlook on life often neglect to take care of themselves as they should. Perhaps they don’t to eat properly, get sufficient sleep, exercise, nor do much to improve self-image. People with a positive attitude tend to invest more time and energy in their health and well-being. Of course, we might all have those days when we just don’t feel like cooking a full meal, go for a run, or shave that stubble on our chin, but positive people tend to be more motivated to stay healthy.
Tips for Improving your Attitude
Of course, none of the above benefits of attitude are surprising to you, but how many times do we actually have a good attitude? If you already consider yourself a positive person (at least, most of the times), what are some ways to maintain that?