Forgive me, but a little rant about people and their attitudes. Recently, I witnessed many individuals whose attitude could use a checkup. I’m not sure when the world changed, but when is it okay to display a poor attitude along with bad manners? I’m speaking about the people who ignore the good and only pay attention to the bad. They are loud, get into other people’s business, think they are more deserving than others, and forcefully try to influence others to their way of thinking. According to a few studies, several things have led to disrespectful behavior, including cultural, generational, and current events which influence mood, attitude, and actions, and also contribute to disrespectful behavior. Personally, I blame most things like this on when Casual Fridays were put in place. Yes, I am old fashion and still like to see people treating each other respectfully, dressing for the occasion and having proper manners. But wait, I am getting a little off the subject. 

I work with a multitude of personalities and find it interesting how attitudes affect individuals. Your attitude is often one of the first things people notice about you. It’s the key element in how people perceive you and can determine your success in life. The American Heritage Dictionary defines attitude as “a state of mind or feeling with regard to some matter.” Merriam-Webster also states attitude as “a feeling or way of thinking that affects a person’s behavior.” How you manage your attitude matters. It affects your relationships, business, career, health, and every opportunity that comes your way. Your attitude comes from your mindset, viewpoint, beliefs, background, and when there are challenges within life, we often react by the attitude we hold. 

There are basic behaviors that consist of positive, negative, and neutral attitudes. These components take care of the way we react to certain situations. A positive attitude person looks for the good. They have an overall mindset about the greater good. These individuals have confidence, a happy demeanor, determination, and sincerity. A negative attitude person will generally ignore the good in life. They tend to be angry without specific reason, have self-doubt, lack of confidence and are often frustrated. A neutral attitude person tends to ignore life problems and have little hope. They commonly are unemotional and disconnected. 

Attitude can make a big difference in all aspects of our lives. It’s easy to have a positive attitude when life is going well, but as daily living gets tougher, we need to stop and see how we are reacting. Having a negative attitude will hold consequences. People do not want to be around a person who can suck all the good out of the air, and that is what a negative attitude will do. Many of us are dealing with new and different pressures we didn’t have a few years ago. How are you handling that pressure? Are you fearful, angry, and sad? Although you may not be saying it out loud, your family, friends, and business acquaintances can likely sense and recognize it. Maybe you’re not satisfied and believe things could be better. If so, then look at positive actions you can take. Changing an attitude can alter the way we view the world. You have the power to change your mindset and the way you view life. A good start is to assess what it is you need to adjust. What is the underlying reason for your negative attitude? Set goals that will help you change. Change can be difficult – and if you dwell on the struggle, it will be! Don’t fear mistakes and take risks. Use the word yet. Instead of “I can’t figure it out” use “I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will.” That little three letter word has the power to change your negative mental attitude into opportunity thinking. Keep looking at what you are trying to achieve and think about the rewards of what you are working toward. Remember, giving your best will leave you with no regrets. Don’t make excuses, make progress. Accept responsibility and show gratitude for the chance to be better at life. 

“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. “ – John C. Maxwell

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – W. Clement Stone.

Robin Anne Griffiths is a certified master development coach, personal trainer, behavior change consultant, and yoga instructor. She specializes as a movement instructor for senior populations. Her mission is to help with living a fuller and healthier life as you age. Her Better You Series is three unique programs tailored to help with positive changes in diet, fitness, and life direction. She works with groups and individuals on life transitions to create personal balance – physically and mentally. You can find more information at https://robinannegriffiths.com.