When I started the Positive Thinkers Network with Lisa Ryan neither of us expected the response that we got from the wide variety of business professionals who wanted to be a part of a networking group of positive thinking people. The testimonies that continue to pour in after our kick off meeting speak of feeling energized, positive and many are telling us that they saw an increase in business.

What is it about being around people who are positive that causes others to feel drawn and energized? Positive thinking people are like magnets, people are drawn towards them because their energy is contagious and it feels good to feel good! Happiness is an intrinsic need from the time we are born and everything that we do throughout our lives is to feed this single most important quest which is to feel happy.

There are of course other benefits to a positive attitude besides being a people magnet. Studies have shown that people who engage in positive thinking are healthier and are able to handle stress and problems better and more naturally than their negative thinking counterparts.

Having a positive attitude means having a healthy self image which then is magnified in self confidence which is one of the most attractive attributes that a person can have. When surveyed, people of all ages and walks of life listed "self confidence" as one of the number one things that they wished to possess personally as well as one of the top reasons that they found themselves drawn to others. Whether in business, social or dating setting, positive people are the ones that have the highest ratings of likability and success. 

In today's society it's not always easy  to keep a positive outlook. The news is full of tragic stories and we are surrounded by negative politics, frightening economic issues, and people are stressed out financially and in their relationships with others. There is a disturbing study that reveals that for every 14 things a parent says to their child only one is positive!

However, being around positive thinking people for even a few minutes shifts the negative energy and suddenly those who were stressed begin to feel less stressed. The "feel-good" component is a powerful thing and the reason that those who appreciate the good energy of a positive person tend to migrate towards them. It's no wonder that our group at PTN (Positive Thinkers Network) has drawn such a dedicated and hungry following. We all want to feel good and there is no better way to douse yourself with positivity then to be amongst a group of those who always see the "glass half full."