Growing up I always heard the line "Don't have an attitude." Whenever I would hear this I would roll my eyes, say 'OK', and move on. However, my outlook on this common phrase has changed tremendously recently!

     While attending a customer relations based workshop, hosted by Purina, 'attitude' was a very common topic. The facilitators stressed that "Interaction, Trust, and Relationship," are the key components when working with a customer. It was simple to see how one's attitude could have a large impact on a customer and even others around them! This got me thinking and reflecting on my own personal attitude and also the attitudes of those who surround me.

     When I think of 'attitude' I typically have negative things come into my mind. Yet, this shouldn't always be the case! There is no reason as to why the saying "Don't have an attitude," has to have a negative connotation attached to it. Having an attitude CAN be a great thing!

     What if we all had great, positive attitudes? Would we enjoy our jobs more, spend more time smiling and laughing, and even feel better about life? I believe so! Possessing a negative attitude does not only affect oneself but also those around them - their family, friends, and co-workers. 

     Yes, I understand some days just go bad and it can be easy to be 'set off' or agitated. But instead of harnessing all of that negativity and making yourself and others miserable, why not just let it go? Forget about it. Move on.

     During the Purina workshop someone said, "Attitude determines your altitude," and it stuck with me! Being negative only seems to bring people down. While positivity and having a good outlook seems to help people shoot for the sky and achieve all that they dream!

     We all possess attitudes, but it is each one of our decisions to determine if that attitude is positive or negative. I absolutely love the saying, "You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it." Every time you are down or agitated, try to smile because it is pretty darn hard to be upset while smiling!

     So as you go on about your life don't be afraid to reflect back on your own attitude. Remember to always watch your attitude as it is the first thing that people will notice about you, and the last thing that they will forget!

" A negative thinker sees difficulty in every opportunity. A positive thinker sees an opportunity in every difficulty." - Anonymous

"A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you can't go anywhere without changing it."-Anonymous

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." - Winston Churchill