Let's Talk About Your Attitude!

[Krissy]

Your attitude determines your success and your happiness in life and business. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines attitude as

• a position assumed for a specific purpose, or
• a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state

The positions we assume or the feelings we harbor towards people and things will affect not only how we interact with them, but also how they perceive who we are and what we do. Our attitude actually sets our expectation which, in turn, creates an environment where all else unfolds.

You wear your attitude as you would wear clothing. Everyone sees it as clear as can be. If you want to make a good first impression, make sure you're attitude is the best possible. If you need an attitude adjustment, consider some of these ideas:

• read an inspiring book
• call up a friend and tell him or her how much you appreciate them
• spend some time playing with a child
• recount your positive accomplishments
• listen to uplifting music

Make an effort to consciously think about your attitude each and every day. It should be the first thing you set for the day upon awakening. Ask yourself these questions as you fine tune your thoughts, feelings, and emotions:

1. What attitude do I want to wear today?
2. How will my attitude positively influence others?
3. What are the benefits to me?
4. What two or three things can I do whenever I find my attitude is veering off course?

[Dr. Marlena Corcoran]

"Make a Loan: Change a Life." The KIVA box on this page suggests one way to fine-tune your attitude. Community service shifts your attention to the problems of other people. Also, doing something makes you feel less helpless. When you suddenly remember your own difficulties--they seem fixable, too.