Positive Attitude for Positive Living
The Qur'anic statement "could the consequence of goodness be anything but good" motivates one towards that which is beneficial and positive, writes Sadullah Khan.
Empowerment begins with seeing the possibilities not just the problems; focusing on how good things could be, not on a fixation of how bad things have been. It is specifically in this regard that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have cautioned, "Pessimism is part of bad character."
Change of Perspective
Empowerment means changing our perspective on ourselves, on those around us and on the world we live in. We must realize that the thoughts we hold in our minds, over time, become our attitudes and these attitudes become the blueprint of our experiences in life. Successful living often emanates from having a positive attitude, applying motivational principles in one's daily life; by being the best that one can be while bringing out the best in others.
Mental Tones and Outward Expressions
Attitudes are emotional responses to situations, people or ideas; encompassing the things one does that outwardly reflects one's mood and beliefs. Attitudes are mental tones and outward expressions of one's thoughts and feelings that affect how we act or react and invariably influences how others react towards us. Since the object of an attitude is to exhibit or display one's internal feeling it directly influences one's behavior.
Negative Attitudes
Negative attitudes often emanate from pre-existing biases or prejudices that then become manifest in one's relationship with others. If one's thoughts, opinions and words are pessimistic, defeatist, suspicious, ever critical and hostile then one's attitude is certainly negative. If we are cognizant of the fact that attitudes indicate our approach to daily living we realize how damaging negative attitudes are to our sense of well-being; it dictates our whole life. Be aware, if the only tool one has is a hammer, one tends to treat everything else like a nail. Our attitudes could motivate us to action or debilitate us into inactivity. If you believe you can, you are right; if you believe you can't, you are right; for if you really want to do something you can find a way, if you don't want to do it you could always find an excuse.
Attitude affects life
While people with negative attitudes remain victims of circumstance, people with positive attitudes rise above their circumstances and become architects of life, positively impacting on their own destiny. The great Islamic poet-reformer, 'Allama Iqbal, made reference to this when he said: " Imbue your self with such positive drive that before destiny takes effect, there is a consideration on the part of the Divine to engage your plan of action."
A renowned medieval Islamic scholar, Ibn Taymiyyah, who opposed the injustices and oppression perpetrated by the Muslim government of his day, was threatened by the authorities, warned to remain silent and shun public criticism and condemnation of the rulers or else suffer the consequence of either imprisonment, torture, exile or death. His response to the oppressors epitomizes the pinnacle of positive attitude. He said; "If you imprison me, I'll have some solace and time to meditate; if you torture me, I'll be rewarded by Allah for every suffering I undergo; if you exile me, I'll see the world at your expense and if you kill me, I die a martyr. There is nothing you could do to undermine me."
Reflection of the self
Realize that attitudes are but reflections of our selves in the mirror of life. Often the way we are is the reason we act the way we act and get treated the way we do. Prophet 'Isa (Jesus pbuh) was responding with loving words to a person who was abusive towards him. An observer enquired as to why he was responding to hate with love. Jesus (pbuh) replied; "That person gives what is in his heart and I merely give what I have in mine." The lesson we learn from this is never to let even the negativity of others prevent the possibility of something positive from ourselves.
Choose to be Positive
One can choose to be either negative or positive in any given situation. You can't be both
negative and positive at the same time. Be positive. A positive attitude is contagious, don't wait
to catch it from others; be a carrier and pass it on. Positivity, like knowledge; when shared,
is not halved but doubled.