Shift your attitude

You choose your attitude! Believe it or not your attitude is not dependent on the events in your life. Think about a time when you were feeling really good. You know… the kind of day when nothing gets to you – not the traffic, long lines, or grumpy co-workers. Compare that to a day when you got up on the wrong side of the bed - the kind of day when every little thing seems to get to you. The very same things that rolled right off your back on the “good” day, contributed to a downward slide on the “bad” day. The difference is in your attitude.

You can’t control the things around you. Fortunately, you have complete control of your attitude. Do an attitude check when you first wake up, and if your attitude is less than positive - change it! Do something you enjoy or think about something that you enjoy. Think happy thoughts. Play happy music. Read something inspirational. Seriously, even before you get out of bed make sure that you are starting your day with a positive attitude and a smile. Starting the day positively will help you carry your positive attitude through the day.

Don’t forget to do an attitude check several times through the day. If you notice a negative attitude, it is time for an attitude shift. It is your choice. The key is to catch yourself when you are in a bad mood or have a bad attitude and make the change right then. Remember practice makes perfect. The more you practice shifting your attitude the better you will get at it and the easier it will be to stay positive.

What do you do to change your attitude?

Comments

[Jennifer]

What a great simple and powerful post Kirsten. I was on the phone this morning with my sister and realized, "Hey my attitude stinks here. I need to change it." I did and it made a huge difference. I think it is so liberating to realize that we can choose how we act or react. Just telling myself that it's going to be a great day no matter what make a big difference for me.

[Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D.]

Hi Jennifer,
Great example! It can be so easy sometimes - just a simple choice. I agree with you. I think the first time I really understood that I was in charge of my mood, it felt like a freedom so sweet and so powerful! I think Viktor Frankl (concentration camp survivor) says something to this effect: people can take away your freedom, they can beat you and starve you, BUT they never can take away your choice of attitude. Powerful stuff!!!