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How to turbo charge your attitude

Whether you're struggling with reaching your goals, feeling unmotivated at work or are simply uninspired, a simple turn in attitude can make all the difference and lead to success.

LINDA WHITE

[ 2007-05-30 ]

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DR. ALAN ZIMMERMAN
Author and motivational speaker

That's the message Dr. Alan Zimmerman, motivational speaker and author of Pivot: How One Turn in Attitude Can Lead to Success shared at the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario's annual conference in Toronto earlier this year.

"Attitude is the number one determining factor in a person's success. It beats out IQ, education, work experience, gender and racial or ethnic background," he says. "Attitude is an energizing force. Like the fuel that drives the car, it drives the individual."

The first step to developing a positive attitude is to stop negative self talk, such as: "I can't quit smoking," "I can't make that cold call" or "I can't close this sale."

"When negative self talk begins, you have to tell yourself to 'Stop it' or 'Cancel it,'" Zimmerman says. "If you stop it often enough and persistently, it will go away."

Take stock of your strengths. "Everyone has a host of abilities or talents that may not get recognized or that we don't give ourselves credit for, such as being honest, straightforward and good with people," Zimmerman says. "Write down a list of 50, 100 or 200 things. When you're having a bad day, pull out your list and remind yourself that you're not a bad person, you're just having a bad time."

Understanding your strengths will improve your self esteem and attitude. It's also important to "affirm yourself," Zimmerman says. "Talk to yourself positively. I know this is something late-night comics make fun of ... but talk to an Olympic athlete who is successful and you'll understand that it works."

Relationships also impact your attitude. "Go where you are celebrated instead of tolerated," Zimmerman says. "If you hang around people who are depressed, picky or whiny, your energy will dissipate ... When you have a choice, spend time with upbeat, positive people."

Taking occasional risks will also impact your attitude. "Don't live your entire life in your comfort zone ... After a while, it becomes boring, then becomes blah, then routine, then a rut," Zimmerman says. "There's no way you can have self-esteem, self-respect or a good attitude if you don't take risks."

TAKE A RISK

At the next company party, for example, sit with people you don't know well instead of those you're already comfortable with. "If they talk to you, you'll think you're good at networking. If not, you'll know that at least you tried."

Finally, vow to make every day a successful day. Your decision on whether you're going to have a good day or a bad day is usually a self-fulfilling prophecy, Zimmerman believes.

You don't need to practice all these tips to change your attitude. "Take any one of those skills and spend 10 minutes a day practising it -- at a traffic light or waiting for your computer to boot up. Soon, you'll start feeling a little brighter, a little more energetic and more confident."

An improved attitude is sure to be noticed. "I think you will be seen as a leader and as a valuable team member who brings spark to discussion," Zimmerman says. "You don't need to make a dramatic transformation, but little turns here and there can make a difference."

Attitude is the best predictor of success, reports Dr. Alan Zimmerman, author of Pivot: How One Turn in Attitude Can Lead to Success. He offers the following tips to those interested in turbo charging their attitude and bulletproofing themselves from the negativity of others: