How To Keep a Positive Attitude At Work, By Personality Type
When it comes to the workplace, your mental attitude plays just as big a part in your success as your skills and experience. A positive attitude can help you stay motivated, improve your relationships with coworkers, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling career.
But everyone has different personality types and what works for one person may not work for another. So how can you maintain a positive attitude at work based on your unique personality? Here are some tips for each of the 16 Myers and Briggs personality types.
ENTJ: Seek Control and Influence
When ENTJs get dragged down by work, it's often because they feel like their ideas and opinions aren't being valued, or people aren't listening to or acting on what they say. Slow decisions-making and inertia can also frustrate them.
Stay positive by:
- Focusing on clear communication. Make your point then follow up to make sure it's been heard.
- Setting achievable goals. This will give you a sense of direction and accomplishment each day.
- Taking the lead. If a project is moving slowly, step up and take the lead to drive it forward. Being in control is a natural motivator for you.
INTJ: Find Allies
For INTJs, work can sometimes feel like a chess game where the pieces just aren’t moving the way they envision. When they lose positivity, it’s often because they see a more efficient way to handle things, and it can be tough when others don’t share their vision.
Stay positive by:
- Creating a feedback loop: Share your ideas and actively seek input. Your plans stand a better chance of being implemented if everyone buys into them.
- Finding allies: Build relationships with coworkers who appreciate your innovative ideas and have them amplify your voice.
- Setting micro-goals: Feel accomplished as you tick them off one-by-one while the bigger picture is being worked on.
ENTP: Embrace Creativity
ENTPs are innovative and thrive on coming up with new ideas and strategies. When they lose their positive attitude, it's often because they feel stuck in a rut or unable to express their creativity.
Stay positive by:
- Brainstorming: Take time to brainstorm new ideas or approaches to projects.
- Trying something new: It could be as simple as taking a different route to work or trying out a new tool or software for your job. This can help spark your creativity and keep things interesting.
- Surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives: Seek out colleagues or friends who have different viewpoints and bounce ideas off of them. This can help expand your thinking and lead to more creative solutions.
INTP: Keep Learning
INTPs are known for their intellect and love for learning. When they lose positivity at work, it's often because they feel like they're not being challenged or given the opportunity to learn something new.
Stay positive by:
- Seeking out opportunities for growth: Look for ways to expand your knowledge and skill set, whether through workshops, courses, or taking on new projects.
- Seeing mistakes as learning opportunities: Instead of getting discouraged by mistakes, view them as chances to learn and improve.
- Sharing your knowledge with others: Teaching or mentoring others can also be a way for you to continue learning and stay engaged in your work.
ENFP: Collaborate and Create
ENFPs thrive in creative environments where they can think outside the box and explore new ideas. When they lose their positive attitude, it’s because they feel restricted or stifled by the mundane tasks of their job.
Stay positive by:
- Surrounding yourself with inspiration. Use objects and colors to keep your creative energy flowing.
- Seeking out new opportunities: Volunteer for projects that allow you to use your creativity.
- Collaborating with others: You are a people-person and collaborating will always raise your energy. Don't spend too much time alone.
INFP: Work With Your Values
For INFPs, maintaining a positive attitude at work often revolves around aligning their tasks with their core values. When feeling disconnected or undervalued, it's essential to reconnect with what truly matters to them.
Stay positive by:
- Seeking out projects that you actually care about. If your everyday work is not pushing your happy buttons, offer to organize an office fundraiser or kick-start a new environmental initiative.
- Using your journal to vent and reflect. It will help you find practical solutions for dealing with the root of the issue.
- Taking breaks from work when needed: Go for a walk, meditate, or listen to music during breaks to recharge and come back with a fresh perspective.
ENFJ: Mentor and Support Others
ENFJs are natural leaders and have a strong desire to help others succeed. When their positivity wanes, it's usually because they feel like they're not making the impact they want or that others aren't taking their advice.
Stay positive by:
- Focusing on your team: Remember that success isn't just about you, but also about the people you lead.
- Being flexible: Your strong opinions can sometimes clash with others. Learn to be open-minded and adapt to different perspectives.
- Mentoring others: Take on a mentee or offer your advice to someone who needs it. Helping others can boost your own positivity and sense of fulfillment.
INFJ: Set Boundaries
INFJs have a deep sense of empathy and often put the needs of others before their own, leading to burnout and loss of positivity. It's crucial for them to find inner strength and make sure they're also taking care of themselves in the workplace.
Stay positive by:
- Setting boundaries: It's okay to say no or take a break from helping others. Make sure you prioritize your own well-being.
- Practicing self-care: Take time out for yourself each day, whether it's through meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
- Focusing on the positive impact you're making: Remind yourself of the difference you're making in people's lives and let that be a source of motivation and positivity.
ESTP: Embrace Change and Adventure
For ESTPs, monotony and routine can quickly deplete their positive attitude. They thrive in action-packed environments where they can use their practical skills and have the freedom to make decisions.
Stay positive by:
- Seeking out variety: Take on new projects, switch up your routine, or find new ways to approach tasks.
- Embracing change: Instead of seeing change as a threat, view it as an opportunity for growth and adventure.
- Channeling your energy into something productive: If you're feeling restless or bored, channel that energy into something creative or challenging.
ISTP: Focus on Problem-Solving
ISTPs are natural troubleshooters and enjoy working with their hands. When they lose positivity at work, it's often because they feel stuck in a routine or unable to use their problem-solving skills.
Stay positive by:
- Doing something! Don't sit around waiting for things to get better; make it happen.
- Making everyday tasks more interesting: Look for ways to improve processes and find new solutions.
- Using your hobbies as an outlet: If work becomes too monotonous, take breaks during the day to engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and allow you to use your hands and mind in different ways.
ESFP: Find Joy in the Little Things
ESFPs are spontaneous and enjoy living in the moment. When they lose their positive attitude, it's often because they're feeling bored or stuck in a routine.
Stay positive by:
- Finding joy in the little things: Take time to appreciate small moments throughout your workday, whether it's a funny conversation with a coworker or enjoying a cup of coffee.
- Mixing things up: As someone who thrives on new experiences, look for ways to switch up your tasks or take on new projects to keep things interesting.
- Infusing action and energy into your work: Turn your meetings into walking meetings or move your phone calls to the treadmill! Anything that switches up the routine can help you stay energized and positive.
ISFP: Do Things Your Way
Buttoned-up environments don't work so well for ISFPs. They are creative and value their sense of autonomy. When they lose their positive attitude at work, it's often because they feel stifled or constrained.
Stay positive by:
- Finding ways to express yourself: Whether it's through your clothing choices or adding personal touches to your workspace, find ways to showcase your unique personality.
- Changing the way you do things. If you don't have to follow a process exactly, try finding new ways to complete tasks and inject your own creativity into them.
- Avoid drama. As someone who dislikes conflict, try to avoid getting involved in office gossip or drama. Focus on your own work to maintain a positive attitude.
ESTJ: Lead with Confidence
ESTJs are natural-born leaders who thrive in structured and organized environments. When they lose their positive attitude, it's often because they feel like things are out of their control or not going according to plan.
Stay positive by:
- Focusing on what you can control: Instead of getting bogged down by things outside your control, focus on the aspects of your work that you can influence and improve.
- Taking charge: Use your natural leadership skills to take charge and steer projects in a direction you believe will be successful.
- Celebrating successes: While it's important to keep pushing forward, don't forget to celebrate achievements along the way. This will help boost morale and maintain a positive attitude within yourself and your team.
ISTJ: Stick to Your Principles
ISTJs are known for their strong sense of duty and responsibility. When they lose their positive attitude at work, it's often because they feel like their principles or values are being compromised.
Stay positive by:
- Sticking to your principles: Don't compromise on what you believe is right and wrong.
- Finding solutions within the rules: If there are certain guidelines or rules in place that you must follow, look for ways to navigate them while still staying true to your principles.
- Offering constructive criticism: Instead of getting frustrated with others who may not share your values, offer constructive criticism and guide them towards a solution that aligns with your principles.
ESFJ: Organize an Event
ESFJs are natural hosts and enjoy bringing people together. When they lose their positive attitude, it's often because they feel disconnected from others or stuck in a routine.
Stay positive by:
- Organizing an event: Whether it's a team building activity or a lunch with coworkers, organizing something that brings people together can help boost your mood and foster connections.
- Showing appreciation: ESFJs thrive on acts of service and showing appreciation for others. This can also help improve morale and keep everyone motivated.
- Finding ways to connect with colleagues outside of work hours: Building relationships with colleagues outside of work can help create a more positive and supportive environment. Consider organizing after-work activities or joining a club or sports team together.
ISFJ: Reach Out For Support
ISFJs are known for their selfless nature and enjoy helping others. When they lose positivity at work, it's often because they feel overwhelmed or undervalued.
Stay positive by:
- Reaching out to coworkers for support: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and don't hesitate to offer support to others as well.
- Taking breaks when needed: As someone who is always willing to lend a hand, it's important for ISFJs to also take time for themselves and recharge.
- Being recognized for your hard work: Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and make sure your contributions are acknowledged.
