attitude – Tim Lombardo

Why is my attitude so important? I have been thinking a lot about my attitude lately. Why is my attitude so important? I am not always positive, and sometimes I can even be grumpy. However, I get the job done. At work, I do my job and accomplish tasks. At home, I help with the dishes and take out the trash. What does it matter what kind of attitude I have anyway? Isn't just doing the right thing enough? Attitude is everything (a good attitude is everything) A good attitude sets the right tone and promotes positive relationships. Attitudes are contagious; if they are, they should be a good attitude. A lousy attitude spreads through the workplace or home and will bring everyone down. They cause evil thoughts, wrong actions, and bad results. What does a good attitude look like? Listening Wholeheartedly. People want you to listen, and they love it when they are understood. A good attitude does not have to include total agreement all of the time. However, a sincere attempt at understanding the other person goes a long way in a relationship. I have blown this one a million times! Learn to listen, and everyone involved will have a better attitude and understanding toward each other. Learn from rejection. Nothing can kill a good attitude faster than letting rejection get you down. Tell yourself ahead of time that when bad things happen, you will use them to learn something. If you get rejected, keep a good attitude and learn from the experience. Often the person is not leaving you but a product, process, or idea you have. Don't worry, be happy and get over it as quickly as you can and move on. Live your priorities and focus on what you know to be correct. If you are constantly involved in things that do not matter to you, then you will find it hard to maintain a great attitude. Take time to identify your priorities and do your best to spend your time on those things. If you are in a job or with people that do not align with your preferences, then start to look for ways to make a change. Don't just quit your job and have no money! That will slam your attitude and be counterproductive. Think about what you are doing and make changes that will put you back on track with your priorities. Hang around people that have great attitudes. Do this regularly and let it rub off on you. However, please do not snub people who struggle with their attitude! You pay it forward by working on relationships with people and allowing your good fortune to sow into the lives of others. Don't be stingy with a good attitude and form a good mood. That makes you a jerk with a good attitude. Engage your life with people you can help, teach and coach. Be a light in a dark place to provide some light. Don't just be a light that hangs around other lights. You lose your usefulness of being a light. Does this make any sense? Read great books about great people. Not every meal is a banquet, and not every day is a holiday, but you can choose to have a good attitude every day. You can learn to have a good attitude by reading about people who already have one. Their stories, struggles, and breakthroughs will let you know that if they can do it, so can you. Many great people who have done great things have learned to have a great attitude throughout their journey. Reading about them is encouraging. Sleep on it. If I have a negative attitude towards something or someone, I remind myself to sleep on it and wake up the next day with a new perspective and attitude. It is beautiful what a good night's sleep can do for your attitude. Please write down the positives and look at them. Writing something down makes you think. It causes you to pause and focus on what there is to note that is positive. It may just be enough to help you realize the good and help change your attitude about something or someone. Change is a gift we sometimes neglect to open until it is too late. Making a change can be scary, but with the right attitude, it can be just what you need.