Resolving to Have a Better Attitude

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.  -William James 

Everywhere I go I meet people who are discouraged, depressed, and letting their negative attitudes rule their lives.  Why is it that so many people these days are unhappy and stressed out?  Part of the reason is that today we live with more financial pressures than ever before.  Another factor is the fast paced, high pressure, and uncertain times in which we live.  All that stress can result in a lot of unhealthy emotions and eventually it comes out in negativity and cynicism.  If you are able to maintain a bright and happy outlook then consider yourself fortunate.  Countless people are just barely hanging on.   

Over the years I have tried to develop strategies for positively coping with the stress that exists in my life.  But this is an ongoing practice that must be continually evaluated and perfected. We have to want to make changes for the better before we will ever move in that direction.  Is your attitude not where you want it to be?  If so then consider these strategies for being a more positive and optimistic person: 

• Get rid of sarcasm.  I don’t know how I became such a sarcastic person, but it happened.  A number of years ago I realized that I was letting my frustrations come out in sarcastic remarks.  I truly dislike myself the most when I am complaining or being openly and bitterly sarcastic.  Resolve to stop this behavior.  When you feel the words about to fall out stop; you will immediately see the difference in your outlook.
  

• Develop the habit of putting others’ needs first.  When we begin to think about the needs of other people we stop putting so much emphasis on ourselves.  We are released from the pressure of always looking out for #1 as the world teaches and we instead begin to be concerned with others.  With this comes the wonderfully gratifying reward of knowing that we are serving our fellow man rather than only ourselves.  This carries emotional rewards that lift our spirits and improve attitude.
  

• Smile, make positive comments, and compliment people whether you feel like it or not.  This is where the old “fake it until you feel it” rule may have to be applied.  The more positive and affirming statements we make the better we feel.  We will also be rewarded by the positive responses we get from those around us. 

• Stop complaining.  Does this need further explanation?  I didn’t think so.   

Take a stand and make a decision to be a brighter and more optimistic person.  We can’t do this on our own, but with God’s help it can be done.

Have a great day!