Maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace isn’t always easy, but it’s essential if you don’t want your workday to be miserable and your negativity to spread to your co-workers.

According to “Forbes” magazine, as many as 87 percent of U.S. workers don’t really like their jobs, which can make it tough to maintain a good attitude at the office.

Even if you like your job, certain projects, a new boss or worries about your future at a company can lead to workplace negativity.

Step 1

Find ways to focus on the parts of your job you like. For instance, if you enjoy working with people, make time to do that every day by scheduling meetings or visiting clients. You’ll still have to deal with the parts of your job you don’t like, but making a point to spend a little time with the parts of your work you enjoy every day will boost your office attitude.

Step 2

Put up pictures and documents in your workspace that make you happy, such as photos from a fun vacation, letters from satisfied customers or work you’re especially proud of doing. Being surrounded by things you like at work can improve your attitude on tough days.

happy desk

Step 3

Anticipate positive outcomes. If you dread a weekly meeting or a particular project, you’re likely to have negative feelings. Instead, look for potential positive outcomes, and focus on what’s possible instead of on what bad things you think are likely to happen.

Step 4

Give yourself a negativity time limit, and allow yourself 15 minutes or so each day to gripe and complain. After that, focus on the positive.

Step 5

Take a time out. If you’re dealing with a co-worker who pushes your buttons or a project that’s making you crazy, excuse yourself to take a brisk 5-minute walk around your office building. Clearing your head for a few minutes can help you have a better attitude when you return.

Step 6

Spend time doing things you like outside the office. The richer your life outside of work, the less intense you’ll feel about goings-on at the office and the easier it will be for you to maintain a positive attitude.