Attitude Addiction

I’m reading Steve Rizzo’s book, Get Your Shift Together.

Great title, isn’t it?

Steve is a former comedian, although I imagine that may be like saying he is a former person. Some things never leave you.

But, I digress.

His story is how he took his rising star status as a comedian and became a motivational speaker. Steve calls himself the Attitude Adjuster.

The book’s subheading spells out his plan.

How to Think, Laugh, and Enjoy Your Way to Success in Business and in Life

 

As someone who recently promoted World Laughter Day, I embrace a life full of laughter.

Laughter is a key element in Steve’s plan to shift your attitude into a positive outlook – no matter your situation.

It got me thinking how our attitude can turn into an addiction. Wouldn’t it be nice if that addiction was one laced in a positive outlook?

My First Major Shift

Those of you who know me, know I spent over 30 years in the corporate world.

In the late 80s, I had worked myself into a tangled ball of stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. The only thing that save me was being terminated from my position after the company was gobbled up by a big corporation.

Best thing that ever happened to me.

• I lost weight
• I started walking again
• I was ecstatically happy in a temporary job

I remember noticing the beautiful details of the green leaves on the trees in what seemed the first time – at least in a very long time.

It was like having my vision restored. In more ways than one.

I learned to appreciate the simple joys of life. Then life happened again.

Addiction Revisited

Fast forward to the 21st century. I have now spent over 30 years in the corporate world.

• My health is worse than ever
• The stress is surely killing me
• I’ve become a person I don’t know – or like

Doesn’t that sound like addiction?

We spiral down into self-inflicted pain and become numb to the possibility of escape.

Once again, a termination saved my life. The difference is this time it was a voluntary termination. One I took.

I left the corporate world behind and started my own business writing company. That was in 2008.

The fact that I bought Steve’s book tells me I am still a work in progress.

And isn’t that what addiction is all about?

• We have days of strength
• We have days where we slide into old habits

I am a self-professed Pollyanna (a term Steve uses in his book). I like that about myself.

I enjoy the positive outlook. I work hard at seeing the other side, the intricate beauty inside.

Yet I falter.

So, if you see me slip, feel free to give me a kick in the attitude. Hopefully, I’ll restore my Pollyanna attitude addiction.

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Live…Laugh…Love

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