A is for Attitude
A is for Attitude
In this next series of Chooseletters, I’ll be teaching you about the ABCs of Success in Business and in Speaking. We will start at the beginning with the letter A. The A for growing a business or becoming a success is your attitude. Your attitude is something you have a choice about and it is something you can control.
Unfortunately, you cannot control a lot of things about business, especially when growing your own business and working for yourself. Sometimes, different things pop up when you aren’t prepared because it was something you never imagined. You may also feel overwhelmed with rejection at times. Your attitude, however, is something you always control. It is something you can decide before you even get out of bed in the morning.
If you choose to allow your attitude to be based on what happens to you throughout the day, your attitude will be up and down. Ideally, the kind of attitude you’ll have for the day is a positive attitude, no matter what the weather is like, what sort of news you find out, what good or bad things happen. If you choose to be positive, then you have a much better chance of being successful in whatever business you do.
In the speaking profession, in particular, you cannot control how other people feel. The main reason why rejection can feel so harsh to a speaker is because it feels personal. We’re selling us. We don’t have a product or service. We are the product and service. So, when people don’t want us to speak at their conference, we take it personally. This is when you have to decide to have a good attitude anyway. In fact, you have to decide to cheer for the person who was booked when you thought you should have received the job. When you do, it’s amazing what will happen over the long haul.
If you keep a positive attitude no matter what the outcome of your work is, then I believe your work will ultimately pay off. It may not be the first time, maybe not even the fourth time, but eventually it will be your turn. Continue to do the hard work with a positive attitude.
When people see you being positive and encouraging for others who actually got the position you wanted, or got the opportunity you worked so hard for, they’ll remember you. A great attitude reflects well on you, and makes you shine brighter, so the next time someone is looking for upbeat and inspirational content, as well as a great delivery speaker, they’ll choose you.
Thus, if you want to be successful, remember to maintain a positive attitude. No matter what the circumstances are around you, live by choice. With that said, this week, I encourage you to choose positivity and optimism, no matter your circumstances.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
Are you typically the kind of person who sees the glass half-full or half-empty and why?
When was the last time you chose a positive attitude and how did it impact the rest of your day?
How can you encourage someone by using your own positive attitude?
How to be Happy when life is Hard?
Are You Happy?
This week, our focus will be on seeking and discovering happiness. Some say joy is an inside job and happiness comes from outside circumstances. I think choosing to be happy about the little things in life and looking for and paying attention to them can change everything.
When I think of happiness, I start with a list of what makes me happy: sunshine, oceans, beaches, my family, laughter, friends, bowling, cribbage, and quality time with those I love. When we dig in a little there can be challenging times that come our way, or busy seasons when we live more in the “must” do, rather than the “choose” to do.
In those times, I am reminded to live each day by choice. Accordingly, I try to make the small and simple things bring a smile to my face. Going outside to walk, getting fresh air, taking a deep breath, and even simply getting out of bed in the morning are all reminders for me to choose happiness.
Five key things I’ve noticed in really happy people include the following:
They take responsibility for themselves and their mental health by getting support as needed
They have a positive attitude
They give back to their community
They keep track of their gratitude and generosity
They have a strong support network and talk openly about successes and struggles
We need to choose to focus on what is working, rather than what is lacking. In seasons of loss it can be much more challenging to focus on what works, but it is always possible! I firmly believe what we look for is what we will find.
This week I encourage you to think about something you do on a regular basis that you typically aren’t happy to do and find some way to bring yourself happiness the next time you have to do it.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
When was the last time you smiled?
What are the top 10 things that bring happiness to your life?
What is the difference between joy and happiness for you?
How to be Hopeful
Are You Hopeful?
This might be the hardest H word in the formula. So many people struggle with anxiety and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. I know when a company is going through a transition and there are rumors of layoffs, fear spreads rapidly. When the world gets shut down with no finish line in sight, people become overwhelmed and afraid.
This last year has been filled with the unknown and it has allowed more stress into our lives than calm, which can take its toll on a hopeful attitude. When we are lost in the downward spiral of hopelessness, communication is crucial to keeping hope alive.
Five key things to help keep people in a mindset of hopefulness include:
- Quit watching the news and listening to negative or fear based messages.
- Share clear and complete communication with your staff, even if there might be some disappointing news included. People can deal with bad news better than the unknown. Open and clear communication is key.
- As a team, start your meetings with what is working. Mention your gratitude, any recent successes, and what you are continuing to build upon.
- Do a charity activity together as a team quarterly. There are many wonderful charities to support, so take your staff to work with Habitat for Humanity, deliver meals, or serve at a soup kitchen.
- Recognize and appreciate your staff and each other. When was the last time you thanked your boss for your check, or left a sweet treat randomly on a co-worker’s desk? A little appreciation goes a long way.
The sunrise is a constant reminder of the new day on the horizon. Even though yesterday, and much of last year, may have felt bleak, allow the sunrise to inspire hope that today will be better.
This week, I encourage you to wake up early and watch the sun rise. While you do, think about the keys to a hopefulness mindset mentioned above and figure out how you can implement at least one of them into your workplace.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
Is your environment hopeful?
Is your staff aware and excited for what is coming next?
