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The easiest way to make $3,000 more a year
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A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology finds that workers with a cynical attitude get paid less than those who are optimistic. - photo by Herb Scribner
If you want a pay raise, try being a little more optimistic.

A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that workers who are cynical often have a lower income than those who are optimistic in the workplace. In fact, researchers found that cynical workers make $300 less a month (or $3,600 a year) than their positive co-workers.

Why would cynical people earn less money? The authors suggest their unwillingness to trust others may lead to a refusal to cooperate, Forbes Amy Morin wrote about the study. Additionally, their constant suspicion of other peoples motives may make them less likely to collaborate and less likely to ask for help, both of which can harm their careers.

But cynicism doesnt always result in lower pay. Forbes reported that in areas where theres high amounts of negative and antisocial behavior like a city with a high homicide rate negative attitudes dont affect incomes as much.

And, as Quartzs Akshat Rathi points out, low incomes may be the cause of cynicism from employees.

Although the researchers believe that cynicism may lead to lower pay, it is possible that lower salaries make people more cynical, Rathi wrote. Also, life experiences, such as growing up in economic hardship or a negative family environment, can obviously impact peoples attitude, which can further affect their ability to form trusting relationships and conspire to generate a lower income.

This study somewhat conflicts with a University of Amsterdam study that found being a jerk or having a better-than-the-rest attitude in the office can give you more power. In fact, the study said overconfidence and acting like youre the smartest person in the room can help improve your chances of moving up the company ladder, according to The Atlantics Jerry Useem.

We believe we want people who are modest, authentic and all the things we rate positively (to be our leaders), Jeffrey Pfeffer, a business professor at Stanford, told The Atlantic. But we find its all the things we rate negatively that are the best predictors of higher salaries or getting chosen for a leadership position.

So although the message may be mixed about whether positivity or negativity will get you a higher paycheck, optimism may be the better direction for the entire office. Fast Companys Aaron Pitman reported that new businesses often succeed when workers are optimistic, since optimism breeds resilience and passion from employees.

Cynicism is a self-fulfilling prophesy unlikely to win you any success, Pitman wrote. It's not naive to believe in yourself and your company despite the odds. Surround yourself with positivity and this positivity loop will help to boost your spirits.
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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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