What is a Positive Attitude?
What is a positive attitude?
Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social-emotional learning program called True Character.
I’m Master H, owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education, and we’ve developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students who are three or four, and our oldest student who is 86.
Positivity
This month, we are talking about having a positive attitude. We like to remind the kids to look for the good everywhere. In order to talk about a positive attitude, we also have to talk about what a negative attitude looks like.
Saying things like, “I can’t,” “I’m too little,” or “It’s too hard” represents a negative attitude. If we’re looking for the good everywhere, we use more positive phrases like, “I’m learning,” “I am growing,” “I can,” or “I’m getting closer.”
A positive attitude means setting goals. It means asking for help. It means taking action rather than sitting on the couch with arms crossed, feeling down.
Look for the Good
As we discuss a positive attitude, we’re looking for the good everywhere—like being a detective, a “good finder.” We ask students to find what was good about their performance. If they feel discouraged, we help them reflect on things like, “Did you kick higher than before?” or “Was your technique stronger than ever?”
When talking with parents, we encourage them to ask positive questions and focus on the good in their children. Rather than always saying “Stop that” or “Don’t do that,” they can recognize positive behaviors: “I really like how you helped set the table” or “I appreciate how you put your dishes in the sink.” Recognizing these actions encourages continued positive behavior.
For adults, stress and life’s challenges can make it hard to maintain a positive attitude. But we can take a moment, breathe, and ask: “What’s in my control? What am I doing well? What small step can I take to address this challenge?”
Leading by Example
Modeling this mindset for our children is important. In our studio, we discuss showing a positive attitude to friends and family. We listen for words that can be reframed, encouraging students to replace “I can’t” with “I’m learning” or “I haven’t gotten it yet.” The word yet is powerful—it means success is coming.
This month, we’ll explore positive attitudes in our thoughts, feelings, and actions—helping us all build a positive outlook on life.
Thanks, and I’ll see you on the mat!
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.
We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.
Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!