Journalist encourages constructive collaborations between students
“Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude,” said Lou Holtz, a retired American football player, coach and analyst. “Whether it’s at a job, school or even at your home, a good attitude will change everything around you. A good attitude will inspire and help others as well as yourself. I firmly believe positive thinking will propel you much farther in life than having a negative mindset.”
Negative thinking can be destructive to your brain. Some people can even find themselves being controlled by negative emotions such as fear, anger, stress, anxiety and depression.
Depression is a condition affecting millions of people. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance states that over 14.8 million American adults suffer from a major depressive disorder. The organization finds that depression is more common in women than men, and people with depression are four times as likely to develop a heart attack than those without. About six million people are affected by late life depression, but only 10% ever receive treatment.
For me, a positive attitude is something that has not always come easy. Sometimes it can be very difficult and seem nearly impossible. Life happens. Unfortunate things happen. Having joy amidst bad circumstances is tough.
Something that has always kept me full of joy is Jesus and his love for us. Knowing that someone died for you causes you to think differently. I am overjoyed that after I die, I will go to heaven. I hold dear the following verse from Nehemiah.
“…Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10.
I see students around campus like Brayden Iest, ’21, who encourage their fellow classmates and act as a light to those around them. Iest loves cheering on his tennis teammates and challenging his fellow PE students.
Iest tells me that negative attitudes lead to low expectations and low expectations leads to poor results.
Positive attitudes are very contagious. A smile or a compliment directed towards a friend or even a random person, can make their day. If you’re in a group, your expressed joy will be very likely to spread to the other members.
A better immune system, increased life span, better relationships, confidence, and focus are all health benefits of owning a half-glass-full mentality.
I believe that a positive attitude would really help when applying for a job. Confidence will come so much easier, and help you nail that big interview.
In the classroom, education will be more exciting, by being grateful for the opportunity to learn, because it truly is valuable.
Ethan Hamm, ’20, is a joyful figure on campus. He enjoys providing laughs in the hallway, and even in the classroom. Hamm enjoys being around positive people and finds that positive is an important trait to have when so many people are negative.
Hamm’s outlook on positive thinking encourages me to have a more positive mindset. Instead of looking at tasks as difficult or cumbersome, he sees them as opportunities to improve himself. This mindset rubs off on many of the students that Hamm surrounds himself with. He becomes an encouragement to those bogged down by the struggles of life.
Macie Thompson, ’19, leads worship, and is key player on the girls basketball team. She believes positive thinking helps teamwork and collaboration. Thompson’s positive has been an example of how I should conduct myself in different areas of life.
I appreciate her openness and willingness to share the love of God in the classroom and on the court. Macie is constantly a source of encouragement to people who are having a rough day in the hallway. She always greets classmates and smiles when passing someone.
When someone has a positive outlook on a situation, others are more apt to listen to their idea or solution. Thompson and Hamm share the same perspective on the contagious spread of positivity. Thompson also believes that she can have a positive impact on people by smiling and investing in their lives.
I always encourage others to have a positive attitude. There is nothing to lose with a positive attitude!
For more articles, read Join the Discussion: FC Serve Day 2018. For more columns, read COLUMN: Roman Endicott examines negative peer pressure.
