Thanks to all who participated in the recent contest to win a copy of Attitude is Everything by Jeff Keller by submitting your favorite attitude adjuster. As promised, I’ve randomly selected my 5 winners, and as a token of my appreciation to everyone who participated, if you sent in an attitude adjuster, I will e-mail you an electronic copy of my book 10 Ways to Make It Great!
Without further ado, here’s the winners, though really, because of all the great tips submitted, we are ALL winners!
Leading off, Rich Hand of the Blah Blah Blog shares his favorite attitude adjuster:
7/5/2007 – “Attitude is Everything”
Phil interviews the author of “Attitude is Everything” in this latest e-newsletter, and he has challenged his subscribers to submit their “Favorite attitude adjuster”. So what is an attitude adjuster you ask? Here is my secret to a good attitude and why I wrote my book:
I have a formula for success that I use and it is a complicated algebra problem. Now before you click “back” look at the formula. I believe that if this was how mathematical formulas worked, we would have a lot more “Mathematicians” in this world.
D + (GxA) = S – Like any good formula you need to know the values:
D = Dreams; G = Goals, A = Action, and S = Success
Dreams plus, Goals times Action, equals Success. My favorite attitude adjuster is to know that I am always dreaming, I have set my goals, I am always acting (even if it is one itsy bitsy piece at a time), and I define my own success and IGNORE everyone else’s definition. Your attitude will brighten significantly if you are taking action to implement your passions; whatever they may be.
Jeff Keller, the author of “Attitude is Everything” suggests not watching the news or TV as a way to keep a good attitude. That is not an option for me because as you know, I love politics and current events. My passion is driven by understanding and commenting on the news of the day. But I understand his point; news is depressing. But it is only depressing if you don’t take action to change things. If I go any further here I will be writing a book (wait I did that already!)
…remember; you control you; period. Just a thought…
Next up is Pet Campbell of Pet’s Garden Blog (shared via e-mail):
To make a decision to "Do a random act of kindness"
This can be anything from an anonymous gift to noticing someone who is
struggling with a situation and reaching out to help..IE..
I had a massive case of self pity recently..
and heard about a sick kitty.. who vet bills were Hugh.. the family
needed some help..so instead of giving them money I organized thru the cat blogosphere
an auction.. which led others to add an auction.. the money was raised
and all felt like they had made a difference… It’s wonderful!
Note from Phil: Pet’s photo is the one in this post. Thanks Pet!
The 3rd winner is David Petersen (with probably the most fun blog title I’ve seen in a while, the Dip Schtick), who shared this gem:
My attitude adjuster: - Remind myself that nothing is ever as bad as it first seems. - Smile (that usually does the trick) - Look for one positive in the situation.
With my kids (four girls), when they are in a down mood, I have a little game: I say to them – "I bet you can’t smile!" It is usually enough to break the ice so we can then discuss what was going on and then I help them find positive in it. We don’t have many down times!
Another winner is Kare Anderson of Say It Better
Look to their positive intent, especially when it appear they have none.It is always productive and satisfying to praise the behavior you admire -especially in the presence of the people who are important to that person.
It is even more powerful, when in the presence of someone acting annoying (or worse) to sincerely and specifically praise the part of that person (positive intent, good character trait, a past action, etc,).Our ancient " flight or fight" part of our brain means we respond more quickly and intensely (and longer) to what we do not like than what we do like. Thus this "praise" behavior makes it more likely that the person will act better as it give her/him time to self-correct and save face.
Bottom line: Do not let somebody else determine your behavior.
Monique submitted a tip via e-mail
In years past I lived and worked in the Caribbean and found that after a long day or a long week – the best attitude adjustor for me was simply getting in to the warm Caribbean sea and floating or bobbing along for a while – the stress would literally just wash away with the waves.
Now, that I’m back living in Milwaukee and don’t have the same opportunity, I find positive visualization of those memories is my best stress reducer!
Thanks to all who submitted their attitude adjuster. All winners: please contact me with your address so I can send you your free book.
PS I’ve got a new project coming up for all of you who still long to share your attitude adjusters, so stay tuned for that.
