Attitude (again) Leads to Healthy Success

Every once in a while it is useful to revisit what it takes to feel successful.  This list of ten is authored by someone else but I lost the reference.  I apologize ahead of time.  I have, however, added my own thoughts to each entry.

1. Be grateful:  This may be the foundation of it all.  It is so easy to complain and fix blame because life is not perfect.  An attitude of gratitude is a positive affirmation that the cup is half full.  It changes the body's chemistry to positive 'good feeling' neurochemicals.  Bottomline?  Dwell on the good things and not the bad things in work and life.
2. Practice positive thinking:  This state of mind increases positive neurochemicals that make difficult days pass by more quickly.  Bottomline?  People enjoy being with people who are positive.
3. Retrain your brain: Learn to see the glass half full rather than half empty.  Look for the silver lining, for the good and not the bad in each situation.
4. Show appreciation:  Even more than money, a sincere thank you and appreciation for receiving a favor is a powerful response and remembered.
5. Think solutions:  Rather than dwell on problems, think solutions instead.  Solution seekers tend to become more creative and innovative.  Solutions also energize.
6. Resist sarcasm:  Sarcasm elicits negative neurochemical changes that affect optimal performance for both the giver and receiver.
7. Accept mistakes:  The quicker you acknowledge your mistakes, the quicker you move forward.  This release and acceptance also reduces the anxiety as well as the increase in blood pressure.
8. Use positive self-talk:  Affirmation of an intent and reinforcing a willingness to take action is worthwhile in keeping one moving forward.
9. Stay healthy:  There is no other way to maintain optimal performance.  A healthy body sets the stage for a healthy mind and spirit.
10. Let it go:  It’s about dealing with what you can control and letting go of what you cannot control.  Complaining about the traffic or the weather are no-win arguments.  Complaining about someone else’s attitude is also not useful.  But you can respond to a challenge you can control!

© Baldwin H. Tom CMC
www.tbgroupconsultants.com