15 Differences Between Positive People And Negative People

Before you read: some questions to help you think about the topic and the words you might need.

What ways do you think you are negative?

What ways do you think you are positive?

As you know, it is a very different experience being around positive people versus negative ones. If you are trying to be more positive yourself, here are 15 ways you can do so:

1. “Failure is part of learning.”

Positive people see failure as an opportunity to learn and get better. They understand that failure is an event, and failure is not who they are. Negative people are emotionally crippled by failure because they let failure tell them that they are a failed person. They fail to understand that failure is part of the learning and growing process.

2. “I can do hard things.”

Positive people love to be challenged. They understand that there is no growth without difficulty. Positive people welcome difficulties, and look for ways to overcome them. Negative people love the easy way. Because obstacles increase the possibility of failure, they try to avoid them like the plague. To negative people, hard times don’t make you better, they destroy you.

3. “I always give my best.”

Positive people try to give their best effort, in any situation. They understand that there are many things they cannot control, but they can control how much effort they give. No matter what, the positive person tries to give their best — even if it isn’t much. Negative people want things to come easy to them. If they have to try hard, they believe they just aren’t good at it and give up. They are more likely to give their very best if they know people are watching them.

4. “She is inspiring!”

Positive people are inspired by the success of others, they look at those who are excelling and ask themselves the question, “What can I learn from them?” Negative people become jealous and feel danger because of the success of others. To negative people, when others succeed it means they are failing.

5. “What can I do better?”

Positive people love feedback. Because they are always trying to get better, they are open to learn anything that will enhance their improvement. Negative people get angry when they receive correction or feedback. Instead of seeing it as a way to improve, they see feedback as a sign they are a failure.

6. “I give power to what I look at”

Positive people look at the things they can control. They understand that their happiness is a result of how they choose to act because of what happens to them. Positive people believe that they give power to what they look at, so they use it smartly. Negative people look at things they can’t control. For example, they waste time thinking about past conversations. They get angry at themselves because of their own past mistakes, and let the fear of the future stop them in their tracks today.

7. “People can change.”

Positive people know that everything in the world changes. They believe that they can change, and that other people can change. Negative people believe that people are fixed; therefore, they don’t try to improve because they believe, “why, what can I do?” Also, negative people don’t let others change. Once a negative person decides how something is, then it’s very difficult for them to see it in a different way.

8. “I still have a lot to learn.”

Positive people love to learn. They understand information changes, and what was successful 10-years ago, might not be successful today. Negative people believe they know everything, and will not welcome new information if it contradicts what they believe. They care less about what’s right, and more about who’s right.

9. “Let’s go big!”

A positive person isn’t afraid to try something new and big. A negative person not only thinks small, but they also try to show others that their dreams and hopes are too big.

10. “Have you heard about….?”

Positive people build others up when they aren’t around. Negative people tear people down to make themselves feel good.

11. “I am my own worst enemy or best friend.”

Positive people talk to themselves in positive ways. They believe the story they tell themselves, and don’t let their own thoughts discourage them. Also, they are realistic with their expectations. Positive people don’t tell themselves lies about their weaknesses or how difficult the situation is. Instead, they tell themselves what they need to do to succeed. Negative people are their own enemy. They cannot see the good part of anything, even if they are successful. They are also good at looking at all the negative parts, and destroying their own confidence.

12. “What is my body saying?”

Positive people walk and act like champions. They are positive in the way they act with people and their facial expressions show positivity. Negative people act small. They drop their heads, and look down. Just by looking at them, you would think they are mad, sad, or don’t care — definitely not happy.

13. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Because they are team players, positive people will get behind and support ideas that are not their’s — even if they might disagree with it. Negative people have a hard time fully supporting ideas they feel won’t be successful. When an idea that wasn’t their’s doesn’t succeed, they are sure to tell their teammates that they were wrong.

14. “What’s the good side?”

Positive people have an attitude of thankfulness. They can see the good in a situation, and don’t take things for granted. Negative people have difficulty to see the silver-lining in difficult situations. They don’t often take the time to stop and notice the positive things of a situation.

15. “You’re so good!”

Positive people like to spread positivity. They look closely when others do well, and they are quick to tell them. Negative people say, “Why would I say something nice to people for things they are supposed to do?” What they don’t understand is, it’s not about the compliment, it’s about showing the other person that you notice them. A simple compliment can strengthen relationships and encourage the person to do even better. Positive people don’t underestimate the power of positive and encouraging words

Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary depending on how they are used.

 The answers are below the table.

A=6, B=2, C=1, D=8, E=4, F=5, G=9, H=3, I=7

Some example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they are used in the reading to help you understand better.

1. He had some big obstacles to being a great sportsman, but he didn’t give up and finally became successful.

2. I would avoid buying that like the plague, everybody says bad things about it.

3. Wearing makeup will enhance your beauty.

4. The policeman stopped the criminals in their tracks.

5. I said the weather is always good this time of year, but the weather contradicted me by being really bad.

6. We can build others up by telling them good things about how they look or their ability.

7. Bar rumors on the internet are cruel because they tear people down.

8. Don’t take your mother for granted, she cares a lot about you.

silver-lining

Some questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your answer.

1. Describe some obstacles you have or had to overcome in your life.

2. What kinds of people do you try to avoid them like the plague? Are there some habits in your life you need to avoid like the plague?

3. In what ways has today’s reading enhanced your life?

4. Describe an event in your life that has stopped you in your tracks?

5. If you hear something new that contradicts what you think or believe, then what do you do?

6. What actions can you do this week to build another person up?

7. Why do people feel they need to tear other people down? How would you respond to someone who is tearing others down in their words?

8. What things do you think we take things for granted? How can  we change our thinking about these things?

9. Can you describe a silver-lining in some negative event in your life or someone else’s life?