As I moved through Orrin Woodward's book, RESOLVED, I came to Resolution #3 Attitude (which I have read more than any other chapter). This past Tuesday we had a challenge group and talked about that topic. As I listened to others talk about their struggles with bad attitudes and their victories in having good attitudes it struck me how important association is to being positive. We live in a negative culture and as the news shows us, we naturally gravitate towards the "negative news story".
I know the LIFE material has helped me with my attitude tremendously by giving me positive things to listen to and read. But as I listened to my friends at the challenge group, I was again reminded that one of the best remedies for my bad attitude is to get around positive forward-minded people!
I want to know what you do to cure yourself of the "bad attitude" disease. Take the time and share one tip you use to remedy a bad attitude! It will be a benefit to all.
Looking forward to reading and thanks in advance for sharing.
I know for me, whenever I'm focused on the trivial things that are getting me down, all it takes is for me to pop in a cd. Doing that takes my mind off what's bothering me (which is insignificant) and focuses me on what's SIGNIFICANT which is my purpose. It works every time.
ReplyDeleteMe too Kristine. :D
DeleteCurrently reading "Leadership and Self-Deception", which along with "Anatomy of Peace", has been and eye opener towards any attitude, whether be positive or negative. By digging into the books passed through subscription or those recommended by mentors has been a great help as to getting that attitude rock in check. As far a day to day basis when situations arise that can conjure up a negative attitude, my saving grace is listening to cds and getting around the TEAM. You could be so down and out and when you get around a group of individuals, such as the Revolution, there is no way you can't genuinely smile.
ReplyDeleteHad so much fun last night!! Thanks for waiting for me : ) It's fun to watch you and Juan changing and growing and strategizing to build your organization! The fly wheel is moving! Keep it up the great work!!!!
DeleteI replaced negative media (TV and Radio) with positive media (good books and educational CDs).
ReplyDeleteAMEN! Totally agree...it's been so long, I forget. But you are RIGHT!! TV and radio are an endless source of negative! Don't miss 'em one bit!!!
DeleteI struggle with my attitude, as well. But I cope with smiling, and reframing the situation, trying to pull the positive out of the negative. AND, I give thanks to God for His many blessings.
ReplyDeleteCarla,
DeleteYou have a beautiful smile! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Positive association has been key for me. Spending time with people who are also striving to have a positive attitude, listening to recordings that give me tools to cultivate that positive attitude and reading books that teach success, which always comes back to attitude. But, one of the most helpful things has been to enlist a mentor who will help in the process. It's very humbling to have a "blind spot" in attitude exposed, but because my mentor has been on the journey longer than I have and has a perspective from experience, it's been another lever in removing the "weeds" of a negative attitude. As I think about the mentoring process, I realize that any "weeding of the garden" has come from reframing my thinking in a way that leads me to discover the weed myself. That's the true art of leadership!
ReplyDeletePeggi, pure gold! Weeding your garden is a personal job! Great job on recognizing that! I know you are going to be moving on! Can't wait to watch!!!
DeleteI know for sure that if my life hadnt had my Lord, my Savior, my family, and my Revolution Team family and all the Awesome books, cds associations,etc I would be curled up in a ball on my couch, because of my Multiple Sclerosis. Many of my closer Revolution family know that almost 2 yrs ago my left leg decided not to move how i wanted it to, my fatgued increased as well as my right sided headaches which then caused me to go on long -term disiability from my work. I say all this because truly everyone has a cross to bear in life and my cross is not anymore difficult than anyone else's. We all are handed difficulties in life and its in how we handle those difficulties in life that define us. I have MS. MS does not have me!! I know my limitations and I just work my best within those limitations!! LIFE IS AN AWESOME GIFT FROM GOD!!! WOOOO WHOOO FIRED UP GO REVOLUTION!!!!
ReplyDeleteTrish, you are a wonderful example of taking what life has given you and using it for God's glory and not as an excuse. So glad you are part of our lives!
DeleteMy cure is prayer and cd's! I work with middle school students and I have four children, so 100% of my day I get immediate feedback regarding my attitude! 1 to 2 cd's each morning before I face the little darlings gets my head right. Sometimes my lunch consists of another cd and at least 1 to 2 cd's on the drive home. I just bombard myself with positive so I can give positive! Even if I don't always get "positive" back, I will usually challenge or give a positive comment from a cd. It's funny how positive, uplifting statements are hard to argue against. The kids will just smile, tell you you're weird or just laugh at themselves!
ReplyDeleteGail, I love your attitude! You are willing to go the extra mile unselfishly to be sure you are giving to others. I'm not surprised! You are wonderful to be around and have a beautiful smile! Thanks for all you add to all our lives.
DeleteKristine xo
Wow you guys!! I use all of the above mentioned things to get my attitude in check. They are all fantastic ways to handle attitude problems. I do have one other tool in my arsenal. When I am really down and out with my attitude I sit down and think of at least one way I can be thankful for each thing (area) that I feel negative about. I write them down in columns. On the left side I write what is bothering me. On the right side I write down a way I can be thankful for that situation. I keep writing and before you know it I have flipped the switch in my brain back to positive. SUCCESS =) I would like to add that this exercise is a direct result of the LIFE TEAM. The books, Cd's, association, and mentoring are the foundation to overcoming the struggles you have in any area. The LIFE TEAM is the key to starting the REVOLUTION to claim victory for your LIFE!
ReplyDeleteAlways the student FOR SURE! What a solution!
ReplyDeleteI always learn from others when I read your blog, Marc. Farrah has another GREAT way to check the attitude! Thanks for sharing, Farrah! I love you lots!
ReplyDeleteWhen I Get "STINKING THINKING" as I call it ,I think of a program that I'am part of at my Church "feed the poor" it is to help the children in Haiti. Any time I see photos of these children who have nothing, But they always have a smile they are always Happy.Then thats all it takes to bring my selfish, self centered thoughts, turned around and see just how truly blessed I am.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful tip, Paul. We are so blessed beyond what we recognize and when we see what struggles others have, it puts our attitude in line, for sure! You have a great heart and it shows!
DeleteOut of all the things I'm challenged with, attitude is at the top of the list. The thing that works best for me is to reframe the situation. The positive books, cds, and the great association with the LIFE TEAM have allowed me to recognize the positive side of the situation and focus on that instead of getting myself down over my negative thinking. Also, remembering to focus on what I am thankful for has allowed me to realize that what I'm being negative about generally doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteWow! You have all used the "remedies" I use too! One thing I try to remember to do is to just force myself to start smiling. Smiling helps me remember all the things I'm Thankful to God for in my life, along with remembering all of you, my Revolution Family. The love and encouragement I get from all the wonderful friends I have gained through Team tops it off. Then, I pop in a CD and/or read a book. I also keep in the forefront, "Is it really that important??".
ReplyDeleteWhen I get really down and negative, it is usually the result of NOT having my time with God in the mornings and NOT listening to CDs. Like most Americans, I am surrounded by negativity, even from my own family. It is a struggle everyday to stay positive. CDs are a great way to get back to the positive side. My daily time with God in study and prayer is also good for my soul. And it reminds me to count my blessings. I am reminded of all the good things in my life and where they came from. Count your blessings and give all the glory to God. :D
ReplyDeleteSoooo true Windy! Eyes on God makes all the difference. I count you as an extra special blessing from God!! See you soon!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love these ideas. I look forward to implementing them the next time my thinking takes a negative turn. Sometimes action toward my goal can help too. But I have to be careful because if my attitude is really bad, any action can set me back. I find Bill Lewis' latest CD helpful, as well. His description of brain process when upset, is super insightful.
ReplyDeleteI want to know what you do to cure yourself of the "bad attitude" disease.
ReplyDeleteThe question was posed on a leadership CD, “If someone spits on you does it make you mad?” The response was priceless definitely not what I was expecting. He said, “NO, it just makes you wet.” This response has stuck with me, especially when it comes to controlling my attitude. This one statement has made me realize that in every situation we have the “choice” to respond in a positive way or a negative way. Now when I find myself having a bad attitude I pose the question, “If someone spits on you does it make you made?” It immediately makes me laugh and straightens out my bad attitude!!!!
I love that cd also, Bridget. I'm very impressed at the focus you are putting on having a great attitude, but you're not stopping there. You're also sharing that desire with all of your team. Just so ya know, it shows!
DeleteLove it!
DeleteIncredible tips!! I use most of them and am looking forward to adding the new ones to my arsenal as Fairbearified says.
ReplyDeleteOne time when my attitude was almost hopeless and I wasn't sure I believed in ANYTHING, I took out a piece of paper and asked myself, "What CAN I believe?" The paper started with "I believe in God." Sometimes that is all I have. And Ya know what? That is all I need!!! HE IS ENOUGH!!
(The list did get a bit longer and now is posted oppostie the toilet....lol....need the regular reminder!)
I have learned that my attitude is the difference maker, it starts within me, not others!
ReplyDeleteI find I manage my attitude best when I remember to reflect on Rom 8:28 [NIV] -
ReplyDelete"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
If my life is being live according to His perfect plan (and it is), where is there room for worry, doubt and fear?
. . . I just wish I would remember these words more often . . .
Delete