Five Steps to Change Your Attitude

I used to work with a grumpy assed individual who explained his being in a rut to me one day. He said “Im in a rut, do you know what that is”? “No”, says I, “what are you talking about”? “A rut is a grave with the ends kicked out, HA!” he barked. And that pretty much said it all. His attitude and outlook was in a “never ending grave”, and he had basically given up on being any different. I hope this doesn’t describe you, or almost as important, the people you choose to associate with.  If it does though, don’t be like this old guy and just give up. There is hope, and a light at the end of the tunnel!

Pity is one of the noblest emotions available to human beings; self-pity is possibly the most ignoble . . . . [It] is an incapacity, a crippling emotional disease that severely distorts our perception of reality . . . a narcotic that leaves its addicts wasted and derelict. — Eugene H. Peterson

You need to begin by asking yourself why your attitude isn’t what you wish it could be. If you are a leader of any sort, you can’t afford to be in this state of mind! Most people slide down into this condition because they are disappointed with their circumstances, or decisions that they have made. Know this, you can change your attitude or how you see your circumstances or your situation right now. Work with me on this, I dare you!

1. Pray. I don’t know if you believe in God or not, but prayer is powerful. Right now, close your eyes and ask God for help, for strength, and for forgiveness. Forgiveness for your attitude, and anything else that you have done. He will listen, you do matter, and He will forgive.
2. Forgive someone else. We all have people who have wronged us, or who we think have wronged us. Determine in your mind to forgive them and let your anger or hurt go. Just do it! This is a very powerful and freeing exercise. If God can forgive you, you should be able to forgive someone else.
3. Ask someone to forgive you. Really. It’s scary, very uncomfortable, and life changing. You are no saint. Someone out there really needs for you to make this move.
4. Turn off your TV, put down your phone, and read something good. The Bible is a good start. Also, Man’s Search for Meaning, by Victor Frankl is one of the all time greats in my opinion.
5. Ge tout and MOVE! (check with your doctor if you need to) Walk, outside, and breath. Ride a bike. Do some pushups (three sets of ten for a start). Do this outside, somewhere beautiful. Also, eat better. Clean out your fridge. Here is a good place to start. Try to do this everyday for at least two weeks. You’ll make it a new habit. You will change your attitude!

All it takes is a step in the opposite direction. Lead out. Show people how it is done. Take your life back!

"Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms —to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

— Victor Frankl
Man's Search For Meaning