1. Take ownership of your attitude
We control our attitude. It is not something that is genetically or environmentally determined. Each of us can decide what our attitude is going to be. We can choose to have a positive attitude about life. A ready smile is a gift to all those around you.
2. Eliminate tolerations
Tolerations are the things that we put up with and don’t really have to. We all tolerate more than we realize. Think about what you are tolerating. Just becoming aware of and articulating some of your tolerations will bring them to the forefront and you’ll naturally start handling, eliminating, fixing, and resolving them.
3. Live in the present
Let go of living in the past or in the future and enjoy the present.
4. Let go of things that don’t matter
Much energy can be spent on being irritated and annoyed by things that really don’t matter much.
5. Be non-judgmental
Let go of being critical of others. Try instead to listen and understand. As you open yourself up to not judging others you will be able to accept and enjoy yourself and others more.
6. Make shifts that reflect who you are
For behavior to change, it has to be grounded on your values. The focus needs to be on what you want in your life, not just on the change that you want to make. For example: I will exercise three times a week and I will not eat after 7 o’clock. Shift: I am someone who values my body and I will eat only healthy foods.
7. Let go of shoulds and coulds
Shoulds and coulds are other people’s voices that you carry in your head. Instead, listen to yourself and take responsibility for what you can and want to do.
8. Have fun
Take delight in life and create fun experiences for yourself.
9. Invest energy in the people that you love and care about
Meaningful relationships are developed and sustained by positive attitudes and commitment.
10. Be spiritual
“One cannot lead a life that is truly excellent without feeling that one belongs to something greater and more permanent than oneself.”
–Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Finding Flow
