How can you adjust your attitude about an unpleasant task?

Leading Change
Written By Stacia Aylward

The Challenge

Identify a task you have to do that you really don't like. Write it down. Then, write down why it is important to you or to others that you complete that task. Using just that information, write an affirmation to "reprogram" your thinking and adjust your attitude. Use a personalized variation of the following formula: "I will _____ because it is important to ____, and I am someone who promptly completes important items." 

Why do this?

Changing your attitude about an unpleasant task is the easiest way to make the task more pleasant.

Having the ability to control your attitude is one of the most important skills of any leader. Mastering the ability to adjust your own attitude also gives you the ability to influence the attitudes of others.

What’s next?

Repeat your affirmation every morning, every evening, and every time you face that task. Notice how your attitude changes over time and whether the task becomes less burdensome. 

Stacia Aylward

Zelos CEO Stacia C. Aylward is an executive leader and lifelong learner with broad professional experience in envisioning and leading programs, projects and teams; facilitating and teaching adults; conducting research; and developing client relationships using proven methodologies in many government and technical fields, including economics, education, healthcare, housing, non-profit governance, IT and law. Stacia holds a master’s degree in Communication and Information, a bachelor’s degree in English, a Six Sigma black belt certification, and a Coach Approach to Leadership credential.

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