Have you noticed how another person’s attitude shades your perception and likability of them? That’s why it’s important to check your own attitude and make sure it’s appropriate and productive, no matter what situation you’re in.

Let’s say you’re at the airport on a layover and because your first flight was delayed, you missed your connection. You’re rightfully upset, but is that attitude going to help get you to your final destination? Probably not. If you walk to the ticket counter with a bad attitude, the attendant will work with you, but he or she likely won’t go out of their way to help you get to where you want to go.

If on the other hand, you realize that it’s not the attendant’s fault, adjust your attitude, and walk up with a smile on your face, things will go a lot smoother. You will be a lot more likable and someone the attendant will want to help, even if they’re powerless to meet your needs. You’ll walk away less tense and angry and you’ll leave them feeling less stressed too. That one little attitude adjustment can make a huge difference. 

Check the attitude

It doesn’t just work at the airport but in all areas of your life. We all have bad days when things just don’t seem to go right. We have days when we have to deal with difficult bosses or customers that put us in a bad mood. We’re all sad sometimes, or angry, or tired and depressed. That’s part of life, but it doesn’t mean that that’s the attitude we share with those around us, particularly when we need their favor.

Here’s what you do instead. Stop and check your attitude. Evaluate it objectively and decide if it’s appropriate and if it helps you get what you want out of the situation. If it isn’t, change it.

Change the attitude

Do your best to actually change your attitude instead of just pretending. It’s easy to tell when you’re not being genuine, and it ends up being worse to face happiness and friendliness than just being honest about your anger or disappointment.

Of course, you can’t simply turn your feelings around. Instead, adjust your attitude by looking at the bright side and realizing that it’s not the other person’s fault. You can’t blame an airline ticket clerk for an engine problem on the plane for example.

Think of the person as just that… a real person who goes home at the end of her shift to a family and a whole different set of problems. She’s not an extension of the airline that let you down. With that in mind, it becomes easy to adjust your attitude and approach her with kindness and respect.

Give it a try and see where it gets you the next time something goes wrong, at the airport or elsewhere in life.

See also:

How a tiny change can transform your life
How to get what you want in life
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