11. I control my attitude

Colleagues,
​
This week we focus on treating ourselves better.


MVP: I control my attitude
​

Thirty years ago, this would have been my number one. For the past ten years it hasn’t even been on my list. Now it’s back. Why?


Let’s be honest, the last few years have been a train wreck. With a pandemic, war, angry politics, a drug epidemic, climate change, etc… it doesn’t look like it is going to get any easier.


For the past two years I have privately been enduring bouts of mild depression. In those times I struggle to be as productive as I think I should be.


It becomes hard to make the best choices, to care for myself, to maintain self-discipline.


The one thing I do manage to do consistently is to control my own attitude. Paraphrasing Craig Martin (whose great podcast interview is ​here​), we choose how we show up for others. It is the simplest choice where we have the most control.


The simple truth is that of 1000 people, 999 of them are good people. Flawed, lost, angry, in pain, but still, good people. I can choose to hold onto that and let it feed me. I can choose to embrace the fact that I control my attitude and that I can choose to be a lighthouse – a person who makes those 999 people feel and be better.


And along the way, in serving others, I will be happier too.


Todays intention: Monitor closely how you show up for others.


Our annual summer tradition is to share the most important things I’ve learned from other people throughout the month of July. This summer we have 20 lessons. You will receive one a day until we are done. If you feel particularly moved and want to share a reaction, please ​reply​! 


Cheers!
Frederick