One of the most important steps you can take toward achieving your greatest potential in life is to learn to monitor your attitude and its impact on your work performance, relationships, the people around you and life in general.
You have probably heard the famous Zig Ziglar quote: “It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude.” And I would say this is not just a quote – this is a truth! Your attitude, without question, has a direct effect on your results and on your life. And once you understand this, three things happen.
First, you become much more INTENTIONAL about watching your attitude. You become much more aware of what your attitude is in any given moment. Second, you keep your attitude in CHECK.
And third, you do whatever you can do, no matter what the situation is, no matter how hard it is and how negative it is, to DO THE BEST that you can do at that moment.

I have plenty of good examples of how I’ve seen this show up in my life but I am pretty sure you all do as well – so check yourselves.

However, here are a few tips on how I deal with my attitude across many situations:

1. Connecting to the Spiritual Realm

The ultimate level of human need extends into the spiritual realm. Just as we feed our bodies in response to our primary need to survive physically, we need to feed our spirit because we are spiritual beings. Many people find powerful and positive motivation in their faith. I happen to be one of them.

2. Self-Talk

Affirmations repeated several times each day, every day, serve to reprogram your subconscious with positive thinking. An affirmation is made up of words charged with power, conviction, and faith. You send a positive response to your subconscious, which accepts whatever you tell it. When done properly, this triggers positive feelings that, in turn, drive action. Your subconscious only understands one language – repetition, repetition, repetition.

3. Self-Motivation

Discover what motivates you—what incites you to take action to CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Basic motives include love, self-preservation, anger, financial gain and fear. Self-motivation requires enthusiasm, a positive outlook, positive physiology (walk faster, smile, sit up), and a belief in yourself and your God-given potential.

4. The Power of Words—WYW

Your words, once released to the universe cannot be taken back. Learn the concept of WYW—watch your words. What we speak reflects what is already in our hearts based upon all the things we have come to believe about ourselves. If we find ourselves speaking judgmental and disparaging things about our circumstances or those around us, we know the condition of our hearts needs to change. You can create a direct path to success by what you say.

5. The Power in a Positive Greeting

When people ask me how I am doing, I use words such as, “Super-fantastic”, “Fantabulous”, “Amazing.” Most people enjoy working and living with others who try to live life for what it is—a beautiful gift. Keep this discipline going, HOWEVER, it’s EASIER said than done.

6. Find that special word

If someone were to describe you with just ONE WORD, what word would that be? For example, most people think I am a generally positive person, so when I am surrounded by situations that entail that I behave or feel negative, I always fall back to my one special word – positive in my self-talk.

Please take time to check your attitude every day, your life and that of your family might just depend on it.