Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much your attitude affects your life.  It’s easy for an old New Yorker like me to slip into a bad attitude.  Doesn’t take much.  For example, this morning I was walking behind you into a store, and you didn’t hold the door for me.  Really?  How rude!  Now, I’m talking to myself and shooting daggers at you. What a way to ruin what should have been a delightful shopping trip. But, when I think about it, I do take some things too personally. That’s why I’m going to focus on improving my attitude.

Yes, I know that nobody’s perfect and I’m not alone when it comes to the occasional crummy frame of mind.  Nevertheless, I don’t like how it makes me feel.  Most people would rather be in a good mood, and that includes me.  So, from now on I’ll be avoiding the storm clouds that come with a bad attitude.

Focus on Improving Your Attitude with These 3 Steps

1. Eliminate the Negative for a Good Mood

There’s an old song that hits all the right notes when it comes to a good mood. Written in 1944 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Accent-tchu-ate the Positive sings the praises of a righteous attitude. The point of the song is, rather than assuming that people are out to get you, begin believing in others.

When someone annoys me, I remind myself that they have their reasons for acting the way they do. Furthermore, I have no way of knowing what’s going on in their lives. Therefore, why risk developing a bad attitude, when you can just give the other guy a pass? Then, you can go about your business with a smile on your face.

2. Pray for Rain

Having to focus on improving your attitude is frustrating. So much so you might even want to cry. That’s why you should pray for rain. In the words of the old Temptations song, I Wish It Would Rain, “cause raindrops will hide my teardrops“.

Before you start wailing about how impolite some people are, take a breath. What is more, make it a deep, belly-filling breath. Now, let it out – slowly. Think about how bad you’re gonna feel if you stay angry. Not to mention the feelings of the others involved. Stay focused and you’ll surely be improving your attitude.

3. Indulge in Something That You Love

• Pet your dog or cat.
• Play with a child.
• Forget the kid, play some video games.
• Eat a cupcake or some ice cream.
• Get a massage.

You get the idea. To focus on improving your attitude, it helps to do something that puts you in a good mood. Go ahead, treat yourself to something special. Staying in a good mood is totally worth it.

Just in case you need some extra ideas, here’s a Dance Safari post you might find helpful, “This Too Shall Pass, You Cannot Defeat Me.”