“I hate my life!” “I hate waking up early.” “I never get enough sleep.” “My roommates are so annoying.” “I hate walking to class. It’s awful.” “Ferocious squirrels on the quad try to attack me on a daily basis. “The food in the dining halls is inedible.” “I’ve already received five parking tickets.” “My classes are so hard.” “I actually have to study for tests, write my own papers, and do my own laundry.” “I think that I’m gaining weight.” “It’s always raining here.” While these complaints seem more like small inconveniences, they are signs of a negative mind-set. Negativity can not only hinder a student from bettering him or herself, it can also spread to other students that are exposed to it. Nevertheless, simple changes in one’s perspective can be made to prevent one from developing a negative outlook.
Overwhelmed by the amount of work demanded by each class, students often count their problems rather than their blessings. Recently, I was in the elevator with a freshman girl, who called her mother and begged to be moved to a different dorm because she didn’t want to continue to take the one credit hour Freshman Learning Community class that is required for her dorm. This request is quite impractical, for moving to a completely different dorm requires much more effort than attending a class for one hour each week. Also, rather than taking responsibility and completing the course, she’s forcing her mother to make an unnecessary effort to accommodate her for her lack of effort. Similarly, one of my close friends constantly complains about her chemistry class. However, she spends more time complaining about it than attempting to understand the information. She never attends the tutoring sessions, and her grade continues to decline. As college students are preparing for their futures, it is essential for them to learn how to cope with adversity in order to succeed in life. Another important theory to remember is that “a negative attitude is self-defeating. We won’t find solutions to life’s problems by looking for someone or something to blame” (Chuck Galliozzi). Thus, complaining does not promote success.
While a negative attitude restrains success, complaining also contributes to alienation. As people complain, “they spread gloom and misery everywhere” (Chuck Galliozzi). Most people do not enjoy the company of others who constantly exert negative energy, for it often hinders their personal contentment and productivity. A survey found that “9 out of 10 people say that they are more productive when they are around positive people” (Rath p.46). Also, people often perceive negative people as selfish because they are constantly ranting about their problems without considering the contentment or problems of their peers. For example, if Sally is excited about receiving an “A” on her test, and Nancy approaches her with a complaint or negative statement, Sally is now concerned with Nancy’s problem rather than ecstatic about her own accomplishment. As negativity is not a favorable trait to be around, people often avoid their negative peers.
While complaining restrains productivity and social progress, optimism promotes productivity and social progress. If you find yourself constantly making negative comments or having negative thoughts, reevaluate your outlook on life. When I interviewed student Connie Zhang, she stated, “Whenever something goes wrong, I don't let it ruin my day because I know that the situation could always be worse” (Connie Zhang). Also, whenever an assignment seems overwhelming, think of practical ways to complete it. Set goals for yourself that you know you will be able to achieve and remain confident in your own capabilities.
Another tool for obtaining a more positive attitude is social activity. Meeting people and making new friends is encouraging and boosts morale. One way to attract and maintain friends is bucket filling, a method in which one makes a simple effort to acknowledge another person in a positive way. Tom Rath claims, “Whenever we choose to fill others’ buckets, we, in turn, fill our own” (Rath p.25). This method is self-fulfilling, in that one often feels productive and content after boosting another person’s self-esteem. A positive attitude contributes to success and attracts peers.
While complaining often leads to failure and alienation, optimism often leads to success and popularity. Anyone can acquire this optimistic outlook on life. An increase of positive energy on campus will increase contentment and productivity. Also, this rise of optimism will decrease the amount of complaints heard around campus.
Works Cited
Galliozzi, Chuck. “‘Negative Thinking.” Personal Development. 15 Oct. 2009
Rath, Tom. How Full Is Your Bucket?.New York: Gallup Press, 2004.
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