Life Lesson #151 - Choose Your Attitude

Jill - Who is also a member of
SelkirkCTG Admin Staff

Life Lesson #151: Choose Your Attitude

How One Incident Can Change Your Day

 

It amazes me how one incident can make or break our day. If we are not intentional in 'attitude' the effect to our day and also to the others around us.

One morning this week started out the same. Me walking into the kitchen with my eyes closed and arms out in front like a zombie. . . looking for coffee. Coffee poured in a favorite SNOOPY mug and snuggled into the couch listening to the news. I set SNOOPY on the side table to adjust a lap blanket and invited Jill up for a snuggle, the beloved SNOOPY mug toppled over, broke, and the golden warm coffee all over the hardwood floor! Without thinking and eyes still closed,  I am sure.  The mess cleaned up, new cup poured, and a snuggle with Jill ensued.

 

Why is this a shared story? Well, my husband witnessed this on his way out the door this morning and I received a text from him "Hope you are having a good morning, TT" My thought; why wouldn't I be having a good morning?

Breaking beloved SNOOPY, coffee on the floor could have set the tone of the day. Perhaps setting the tone to be a Naughty Nelly kind of a day. I chose to move forward, not cry, yell, or scream....just moved forward with grace, patience, and SNOOPY as beloved as he was does not have control over my day .

 

I am living in such purpose of positive attitude, I was not aware my morning could have been any different. I wish this for you too! Below is the main tool, and focus I used and still use to create this environment in my personal and professional life.

• Start a Journal:
• Write down intention of the day; how do I want to interact and treat others today. When we focus on the Golden Rule, it changes our focus and becomes a habit not only how we treat others but our self and self-talk too!
• Is there a situation I could have reacted differently?
• Is there an opportunity to reach out, reflect, and or change?
• Is a spilled cup of coffee a reason to spend a lot of 'energy' on?
• A positive attitude is a magnet for others to be positive and more fun to be around too! This is where I take inventory of friends, acquaintances, and family. . . who is in our inner circle who is positive or an attitude drain?

With the above practice I am able to live in a place of authenticity and positive attitude. This also gives me personal and professional tools when in a difficult conversation and ask "Is this a conversation we need or should have?" "Is this conversation necessary and/or un-healthy?" If I answer yes to either of these questions, I curtail the conversation. By restate the situation in a more positive light or change the conversation to a more productive and healthy avenue.

Sincerely Attitude,
Tracy Worley

Would love to know what is in your tool box to ensure a positive attitude and outlook?

Source: T.Worley. (2012). Authentic Self.
©2012, Tracy Worley (Selkirk Coaching and Training Group). All rights reserved

STOP, PAUSE, GROW!



Fall Flower Garden; Missoula, MT
Beauty can only be seen and felt if we stop, pause, and SEE.

Stopping, pausing, and reflection allows us to GROW! 

To plan, be more productive, and successful we must have time in our daily schedule to stop, pause, and GROW!

 

Our lives move through the speed of light these days, or at least that is what it feels like when we wake and put our heads on the pillow at night. I have had a tremendous year of growth and know if I were not intentional and disciplined in reflection the lessons learned would have taken longer or lost. 

 

The last two weeks as I teach John's 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth adds more tenacity to discipline there is time in my daily agenda for time of reflection. In pause and reflection these past two weeks brings to thought Albert Schweitzer. Albert Schweitzer had many adventures in Africa. This particular story reminds me of the human need for our body and soul to stop, pause, and reflect to nourish our body and soul learning from our experiences.

A trip through Africa many people are involved in moving supplies. The line of supply came to a halt and Albert wanted to know why there is a delay. The response "The natives are pushing so hard they have to wait for their souls to catch-up".
 

Reflection of this statement and a challenge for you and I; Are we waiting in reflection and allowing our souls to catch-up to us? 

Reflection:

·         Create a space/place where you can consistently and effectively pause and reflect.
·         Schedule time to stop, pause, and reflect (10 to 30 minutes).
·         Ask yourself questions, where do you need to grow, manage, challenge, relationships, etc…

 

Challenge: Are you allowing your soul to catch up to you for growth?

Source: T.Worley. (2012). Authentic Self.
Source: J.Maxwell. (2012). 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.

©2012, Tracy Worley (Selkirk Coaching and Training Group). All rights reserved