Why Change Starts with YOU

When things don’t go your way, you naturally get upset; and undoubtedly you even seek out others to blame: the traffic, the boss, the children, bad weather, and the list goes on and on. Then you become sad, or mad, or both, because your day is not going as well as you had planned. But the truth of the matter is that you control most of the things that occur in your day, and of course, the attitude which accompanies them. It is time for you to stop playing the blame game once and for all.

Change does not start with your children or your boss, or the weather – it starts with you. If you want to be happy, then turn that frown upside down. If you want to be successful, then aim to do just that.

It becomes really easy for us to put blame on external influences when the truth of the matter is that our situation for the most part, is a direct result of our actions.

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn

If something is not going right either from a business or leadership perspective, or within your team, then it is time to analyse what you could be doing differently to amend the situation. Are you adding fuel to the fire with a certain attitude? You have to remember that you are in control.

Make of list of things that are troubling you or your business and review them individually. Understanding the issues and then acting on them is crucial to any change you make. Understandably there may be obstacles in your way however all it might take is a shift in your mindset to imagine a solution to the problem with a beneficial outcome for all. A positive mindset in the midst of problems can seemingly work magic.

It’s your life; it’s your career – why let something like a negative attitude get in the way. It all starts with a simple smile. It may be difficult to force a smile when issues are troubling you, but try it and see how you go. One amazing thing about a smile is that it is difficult not to respond with a smile when one is aimed in your direction. Your mouth will automatically start to curve up – it’s a natural physical response. Try it and see. If you smile at someone – anyone – then chances are they will respond in kind.

“You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.” – Charlie Chaplin

So smile – it’s a great time to start and see the change in attitude it brings for all concerned.