“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” - William James.
Our personal attitude determines how we look at life, react to challenges, and succeed or fail. Attitude affects our relationships and even our health. Your attitude is contagious and synonymous to your personal trademark. It is a key factor in aiding to make your dreams and goals a reality. The people who you enjoy spending time with, those who make you smile and motivate you, probably all have positive and uplifting attitudes, which is why you enjoy them so much.
Lou Holz teaches us that, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
We are more motivated when we are positive. If you are not eager about what’s to come, your attitude will reflect that. Bad attitudes halt you from being successful. The way you feel when you wake up impacts your entire day and having a positive attitude enhances your demeanor. There is significant power in having a bright and optimistic attitude.
1. What is your attitude when you wake up in the morning and what are you doing to improve it? What is on your calendar? Your calendar and to-do list can change your attitude for the better.
There is no question that having something to look forward to certainly powers and jumpstarts your entire day. Having a routine, rather it is a daily trip to the gym or a delicious healthy breakfast; it all effectively impacts your day.
Make sure that you have something great to look forward to everyday! Yes, every day by scheduling meet-ups, lunches, calls and quick touch-bases with colleagues, friends and family. A touch base with a friend, mentor or even prime family time creates daily excitement. Having fun and spending quality time with a revered person enables you to wake up with great expectation of the day ahead and provides anticipation for things to come. Self-care impacts your attitude so take care of yourself and have a detailed schedule.
2. Know how your attitude affects others
Your attitude affects others and if your demeanor is bitter, no one will want you around. People feed off of your energy. For instance, if you are smiling others may ask why and you can share with them good news and impact their attitude. Your attitude establishes how your family members, friends, co-workers, mangers/supervisors and others relate to you, respect and treat you.
3. During times of adversity, Attitude Really Matters
“Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force.” – Irving Berlin
When things are not going as planned, it is your attitude that keeps you on track to progression despite adversity. Perseverance is dependent upon your attitude. Your attitude allows you to face various circumstances with confidence knowing that you can handle obstacles and roadblocks and most importantly still succeed in the end.
4. Be Mindful of Your Habits
“Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill,” Charles R. Swindoll
The first step in strengthening any skill or habit is establishing a personal understanding of yourself by analyzing people’s responses to you. Once you understand yourself and your cues, practice and apply new strategies for growth. Remember, habits are formed by repetition and comprehending a cue, which then leads to rewards.
Daily routines create virtue and strength by using mindfulness as a tool. The success of your day is the sum of your habits. Answer the question, how in shape are you? This is a result of your habits. How happy are you in life? This too is a result of your habits. How successful are you? Again, all based on your habits.
Author James Clear reminds us of the well-known behavioral psychology tool, “The 3 Rs of Habit Change”: reminder (which triggers a behavior), routine (the behavior itself/actions taken) and reward (benefit gained by doing the behavior). Every habit we have ― good or bad ― follows the same process.
To form a new habit as in to change your attitude, you can use “The 3 R’s of Habit Change.” This revolves around the premise that what you repeatedly do, as well as your habits decide who you are – your beliefs, personality, and your attitude. Being cognizant of your attitude will bring a rewarding life.
