Attitude Adjustment 101

“Work on your career and you’ll make a living. Work on yourself and you’ll make a fortune.” – Jim Rohn

Here are seven tips for “Attitude Adjustment 101.” from Susan Young, President of Get in Front Communications

1- Take responsibility for your attitude. This requires that you be brutally honest with yourself. Be aware of who you are and how you behave. Blaming others is unacceptable. We’re adults.

2- Recognize warning signs like negative thoughts and pessimism. Your mind is like a computer—garbage in; garbage out. If you tell yourself that you are “just okay,” you will be “just okay.” What you think about, you bring about. Plant seeds of optimism and hope; not weeds of pessimism and doubt. It’s not inappropriate to be happy.

3- Use positive affirmations. Tell yourself every day that you are an outstanding person capable of achieving your goals. Replace your old mental soundtrack of criticism and negativity that plays in your head 24/7. Use a new soundtrack of positive reinforcement.

4- Make mental movies. Your subconscious mind operates on images and pictures. Before you get out of bed each morning, and right before you fall asleep at night, take a few minutes to relax and envision your ideal day. What are you doing? What are you wearing? Who are you with? How do you feel? Are you in a meeting, confidently speaking before your boss and colleagues? Are you on the beach playing with your children and spouse? See and feel yourself as a huge success. Do you want a new house, job or relationship? Imagine it with specific detail as if it already happened. Make your mental movie and replay it in your head as often as possible. See it as if it already happened. You are the director, producer, writer and star. Make it a winner!

5- Write down your goals. The subconscious mind kicks into action when you put your goals in writing. List three short-term and three long-term goals. Be sure to include a target date of accomplishment. Outline the steps you will take every day to achieve your goals. Take action!

6- Put your head down and focus. Successful people do not focus on negative water cooler gossip, complainers and time wasters. Develop a strong discipline, set your goals and get to work. Be like a horse. Keep your eyes on the path.

7- Surround yourself with successful people. Think about the people you admire and what kinds of characteristics, traits and values they have. Avoid “naysayers” who shoot you down, speak negatively or have poor work and personal habits. They are energy drains who can poison your attitude.

It takes 21 days to form a new habit. If you practice these ways to adjust your attitude for at least 21 days, you will begin to see some changes.

President John F. Kennedy said, “The human mind is our most fundamental resource.” Your mind is a fertile garden that will grow whatever you plant in it. Life is better when you have a good attitude. It will make a huge difference in your communication, both at work and at home.