I define attitude as, “The way you dedicate yourself to the way you think.” Thinking negative or thinking positive is a choice and a process. Negative is (unfortunately) an instinctive process. Positive is a learned self-discipline that must be studied and practiced every day.

To achieve a POSITIVE attitude, or as I have named it, a “YES! Attitude,” you must take physical, verbal, and mental ACTIONS. Here are a few short chunks of attitude “awareness and actions” that will help put you (or keep you) on the positive path.

1. Admit that attitude is no one’s fault but yours. The more you blame others, the less chance you have to think positive thoughts, see a positive solution, or take positive action towards solution. The opposite of blame is responsibility. 

2. Understand you always have (had) a choice. Attitude is a choice, and most people select from the negative column. It’s more natural to blame and defend than it is to admit and take responsibility. Ask any politician.

3. If you think it’s OK, it is … if you think it’s not OK, it’s not. Your thoughts direct your attitude to a path. If you think “Why does this always happen to me?” You have chosen a negative path. If you think “WOW, this may not be the greatest, but look what I’m learning,” you have chosen a positive path.

4. Invest time; don’t spend it. Ignore the media you cannot control. Find a project, or make a plan to sell something, or meet with someone who buys (or teaches) instead. Invest an hour a day working at or studying anything, and in five years you will be a world-class expert. 

5. Study the thoughts and writings of positive people. Read Napoleon Hill classic Think and Grow Rich, TWICE. Read The Power of Positive Thinking. They are priceless, timeless gems of wisdom that you can convert to your own success thoughts. 

6. Check your language. It’s just words, but they are a reflection of how your mind sees things, and an indication of how you process thoughts.

7. Avoid confrontational and negative words. The worst ones are “why,” “can’t,” and “won’t.” 

8. Say why you LIKE things and people, not why you don’t. I like my job because … I love my family because … Say things from the positive side enough and it becomes a habit you will revel in for life.

9. Help others without expectation or measuring. If you think someone “owes you one,” you are counting or measuring. If you give it away freely, you don’t ever have to worry about the measurement. The world will reward you 10 times over.

10. Think about your winning and losing words. Be aware of “loser” phrases and expressions. Lose with: “They don’t pay me enough to … ” or “That’s not my job.” Think “learn,” “lessons,” “experience,” “help,” and “solutions” before you make a statement. 

11. Think about your mood, and your mood swings. How long do you stay in a bad mood? If it’s more than five minutes, something’s wrong. 

12. Are you the head of the complaint department, AND the chief complainer? Many people slip into cynicism day-by-day. They become bitter because of their jealousy or envy of other people or their own misfortune. BIG MISTAKE. List the lessons you can learn from those you have bitterness for and the results will turn your thinking towards your own success and away from theirs.

12.5 Count your blessings every day. Start with health if you are fortunate enough to have it. Add the love of children and family. From there it’s easy to build the list. 

Want an instant lesson? Go out and buy a copy of “The Little Engine That Could.” Read it regularly. It’s not a book for kids, it’s a philosophy for a lifetime.

Positive attitude is a self-imposed blessing. And it is my greatest hope that you discover that truth and bless yourself forever.