Recognizing negative attitudes

People who use words like ‘try’, ‘I’ll see’ and even ‘I’ll do my best’ are telling you that they haven’t decided to succeed. They probably don’t think it’s possible, but they know you are expecting a positive response. Listen to the tone of voice – it usually tells you far more than the words.

How many times have you heard someone say ‘I’ll do my best’ and known that they have no intention of doing their best? In fact, they probably have no idea what their best is – they have never tested themselves to the limit.

People with negative approaches are not necessarily depressives who cast doom and gloom over everyone they meet. Most of them function quite adequately and their negative attitudes go unnoticed in the work place.