PBIS: Attitude and Positivity

Sample Lesson - Introduction

Lesson 1.01: Positivity

 

Psh. You call that a swirl? (Source)

You think ice cream is good. Really good. In fact, when you hear the jingling of the ice cream truck coming down the road, everyone better watch out. You will knock a Shmooper down to get your ice cream.

So, you've raced to the front of the line and shelled out the cash for your favorite frozen treat. You're in the process of wolfing it down and then—bam! Brain freeze.

Ice cream is good. Brain freeze is bad.

After trying every hack you've ever heard, your brain freeze finally disappears. What do you do with the rest of the ice cream? Throw it away? Not a chance. Ice cream is your soul mate. Not even brain freeze can tear you away.

Your attitude about ice cream is definitely positive. It's so positive that not much can change it. If your attitude about ice cream had been not so positive, you would have probably used it to shoot a three-pointer into the closest trash can once the brain freeze hit.

This unit will focus on the benefits of a positive attitude, how to recognize one, and how to maintain one.

Sample Lesson - Reading

Reading 1.1.01: Make it Positive

We'd like to take this moment to formally recognize all the happy-go-lucky people who always seem to have a smile on their faces, even in the most dire of circumstances:

• Chris Traeger of Parks and Recreation
• Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter
• Russell from Up
• Dorey from Finding Nemo
• Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings
• Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol

We hate those people.

Jk. We can all take a page from the books of these characters. They all have extremely positive attitudes and are some of the most beloved characters in fiction. A positive attitude means a) you're generally pleasant to be around, which is always a nice quality to have and b) you generally get taken along on life-changing, world-saving adventures. (Probably.)

But there are potential health benefits, too. For all the not-here-to-make-friends types, this reading will also cover how a positive attitude influences your health and general well-being.

Are You Sure You're Positive?

You can probably tell what a bad attitude is just by being around someone who has one. It's a little harder to tell what a good attitude is, mainly because people tend to show a bad attitude more often. Looks like people love complaining (hey, venting is healthy). Whenever someone does outwardly express their positivity, they're lumped in with the group of people we mentioned earlier.

But a positive attitude is more than the sometimes-annoying habit of desperately wading through a clump of dark, depressing storm clouds in the search of a silver lining. You can feel sad. You can feel angry. You can feel jealous, vengeful, and full of rage. The important thing is to not let these emotions consume you.

This is why it's important to have a positive attitude.

Being positive translates, almost directly, to having confidence in yourself and your abilities. Positive people tend to have better control over their emotions: they're not unfeeling Vulcans, but they also don't lash out unexpectedly. They tend to set goals with the intention of achieving them. They tend to be a bit more independently minded. Lastly, they tend to be found in groups of other positive people.

Remember: these are all tendencies, and don't apply to everyone. It's just a pattern we've noticed.

Keepin' It Positive

You don't have to always like the situation you're in. Sometimes things just don't go your way. Like, maybe you just want to chill on the couch and watch Netflix all summer instead of visiting your relatives in that sweaty armpit of a town they call home.

But do you think giving your grandma the silent treatment will help the situation? Will it make you feel better? Would it kill you to humor Grandpa Joe when he rambles on about his glory days as a figure skater? We say nah.

Now, we're not suggesting that you turn into a blinding ray of sunshine that poops rainbows and glitter. (That would be a sight to behold.) Just try to keep it positive. Switch your outlook. You can do this by:

• Smiling. No, seriously, studies have shown that even faking a smile makes you happier. (source)
• Trying to get over your stinky situation if you can't change it. Stop wallowing, man.
• Being optimistic. Get used to saying, "Well, at least…" Remember, for your whole life, you're always at least "not dead."
• Having a sense of humor. "My coworker bailed so now I have to work a double shift? Does this mean I can finally afford college?"
• Building a bridge and… getting over it.
• Really, just get over it.
• Please.

Okay, it's totally easier said than done. Also, there are people with depression, anxiety, and other conditions to consider here. We'll put it this way: if you are absolutely able to cope, do it. If you need help, get it. And surround yourself with people who won't dismiss depression as just something you need to "get over." Seriously.

Taking care of yourself is another good first step in keeping it positive. That doesn't mean just getting enough shut-eye, eating the right things, and exercising; it's also taking care of your mental and emotional health.

The last tidbit of wisdom we'll impart upon you is this: consider other people's feelings. Practice empathy. Empathy is being able to understand and feel what another person is feeling, and it's a really important quality to have. Basically, try to walk in other people's shoes.

Remember, it ain't all about you.

The Benefits of a Positive Attitude

Psychologists like Dr. Barbra Fredrickson say that having a positive attitude makes you healthier; it strengthens your immune system and helps you sleep, helps you deal well with stress, and even leads to a longer life (source).

Essentially, happy people are healthier. Curmudgeons eat dirt. (Just kidding.)

Having a positive attitude also makes it easier to get along with people, which can also contribute to happiness and lower stress levels. No one wants to carpool with Oscar the Grouch…unless they're driving him to the dump. (Sorry, was that harsh? Get a grip, Oscar.)

So, a longer and better social life? Sounds like it's time to party.

In the Real World

Apparently, you can control how long you live. Er... kinda.

• "Beliefs Reported to Shorten Life"

Sample Lesson - Activity