How to Develop a Better Attitude

Take time to leave worries behind and enjoy life.

Life is a precious gift you can fully enjoy by adapting and adjusting to challenges, or you can let trials and tribulations override your happiness and succumb to emotions that leave you drained, tired, unhappy -- even angry, jealous or bitter. The choice is always yours. Either choose thoughts and actions that make you feel good, or descend into thoughts of suffering and victim-hood. When you're ready to take control of your life, surround yourself with uplifting people, books, music, art and techniques that help you shape a better attitude and response to your world.

Things You'll Need

• Inspirational books, tapes and articles
• Motivational books, tapes and articles
• Sticky notes
• Exercise methods
• Optional:
• Artistic and creative projects
• Journal

Instructions

1. Acknowledge whatever you've felt that has led up to this moment. Set a small personal goal that allows you to try a new approach to living. Start with something as simple as awaking to each day with a positive thought -- for example: "Today I will be happy and free of worries."

2. Write your goals down in a journal or use sticky notes to set around your house to remind you of how you want to feel. These are affirmations that state what you want in life, such as: "Each day I am becoming kinder and more compassionate," or "I will accept others just as they are." You can find hundreds of examples through motivational and inspirational books and tapes, or online through articles and videos. Find what works for you -- add new thoughts later or alter your affirmations any time.

3. Smile when encountering others, including strangers. You may be surprised at how many people welcome the simple gesture of a smile. Even if others do not respond with a greeting of "good morning" or "let me help you with that," you'll feel small changes within yourself that actually lift your spirits. Trust them, and build upon them over time.

4. 

   Learn good communication skills to avoid unneeded drama.

   Tell your family and friends you'd like to move away from ego-based, drama-filled actions and behaviors. Even if these are minor occurrences within your household or at work and school, letting others know you intend to create a happier life and form a better attitude will include them. Don't judge if they don't wish to support you or participate. Simply do your part.

5. Walk away from drama in all forms that will drain your energy or leave you feeling upset. These experiences can include arguments or confrontations with family members, competitions with coworkers, or being stuck in traffic when you're late.

6. Try standard deep-breathing exercises, counting to 10 or 50 slowly, and other tricks to help you remain calm. Being reactive is not productive; becoming proactive, however, helps you make wise choices in such circumstances.

7. Meditate and exercise. Alternating the physical and mental aspects of your life lets you find a new form of balance and helps you keep mentally calm as well as physically fit. Include hiking, running, bicycling, sailing, swimming or anything that helps shift your mood and discipline your energy.

8. 

   Simple and authentic acts of kindness are quick ways to shift energy.

   Look up information about how to rise above the limitations of ego, how to live in the present rather than dwell on the past, how to find harmony at home and in community, and how to build self-esteem. People who have a positive self-image can inspire you, too. Seek them out.

9. Join a spiritual group, take an art class or follow your heart toward something that truly interests you and brings you joy. Sometimes writing your thoughts in a journal or blogging your experiences by using humor can help you see things in a new light.

10. Be gentle with yourself always. Struggling against something may leave you less happy than if you "go with the flow" and simply accept whatever arises in your life. You'll become more and more able to respond to life meaningfully with every positive and productive choice you make. And when you're uncertain, just do your best with whatever presents itself. Over time you'll begin to change your attitude with more ease.

Tips & Warnings

• Move into self-discovery by recognizing the beauty of yourself, the gifts you have, your own talents and abilities.

• Learn how to give thanks for every "good" aspect of your life and how to appreciate what you have, as well as who shares in your day-to-day experience.

• Take your time -- if you slip up and don't have a "perfect" response or find yourself disturbed by something you'd previously risen above, just let it pass without beating yourself up or judging yourself in any way.

• Blaming others for your grief, sorrow, misery and unhappiness is self-deception. Sure, others may make mistakes that hurt you, but you always have a choice in how to respond. You can either react and remain stuck, or you can learn, forgive, let go and move forward. No one else has to answer for your choices but you.

References

• Louise L. Hay - Author of "You Can Heal Your Life"
• Plum Village Home Page

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Eckhart Tolle Home Page
• Dr. Wayne Dyer Home Page
• TUT's Adventurer's Club -- Mike Dooley's Notes from the Universe
• A Course in Miracles Home Page
• Gary Renard Home Page
• Deepak Chopra Center Home Page