1. Refuse To Be Bullied

Most people go through life controlled by their circumstances.  If good things are happening then they are happy as a lark, but the moment those circumstances change, watch out!  They’re headed for another nosedive.  They are being bullied and they don’t even realize it.  What we all have to realize is that while our circumstances are largely out of our control, our attitudes are completely our decision.  We can abdicate that decision to our circumstances or we can choose to step up.  I was at a high school basketball game last night sitting next to a man I’ve met a handful of times named Greg.  He was there to support his girls who are cheerleaders and from his attire I concluded that he’d come straight from work.  After he settled into his seat I asked him, “How was your day?” and I thought his answer was absolutely golden, he said, “It was good.  Why have a bad one?”  That is the answer of someone who has learned to control their attitude.

2. Take Micro Action- Immediately

Okay so there you are.  Your circumstances have taken a turn for the worse, you’re tempted to commit attitude suicide but you refuse to be bullied, and refrain.  What now?  I would suggest taking micro action.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.  Try smiling.  No of course you don’t feel like it.  Yes you’re faking.  But lucky for you it will help anyway.  Try grabbing a pen and paper and write down 5 things you’re thankful for.  Take a deep breath and whisper out loud that your grateful to be alive right now.  Go for a walk.  Watch a funny youtube video clip.  Write an encouraging email to a co-worker or employee expressing how much you appreciate them.  Think about your last vacation and what you liked about it.  The point of these random ideas and a million more like them is that you’re learning to act your way into a feeling instead of waiting around to feel your way into an action.  It may seem like a small adjustment but it’s actually quite profound.

3. Serve The Less Fortunate

There is something about taking your eyes of yourself and focusing on others that puts things into perspective.  When we’re in the midst of an attitude breakdown it’s often because we’ve gotten too myopic in our vision, we actually believe the crazy stuff running through our brains.  Stuff like, “this always happens to me, I’m so unlucky, nothing in my life is working right now!”, “I have the worst job ever.  My boss totally sucks, no one on earth has it as bad as me.”  A quick trip to the local homeless shelter will prove otherwise.  The reality is that if you’re reading this post you are a blessed person.  You probably have a job or at least have the ability to get one and you likely have people that care deeply for you.  Not everyone is blessed with such a wonderful life.