As a fundraiser, I learned firsthand it isn’t just “buzz” that it changes people’s lives. From idle rich, to parents bringing their children for an emotional learning experience and educational family activity, to singles flexing their caring muscles, to people in recovery, to people with stories I’ll never know, all benefited. Sometimes clients did as well.

Those who wrote checks benefited less than those who put in volunteer time and here’s an opportunity that takes stress off going to a strange place and meeting strangers. Go volunteering with your dog.

“Work on your career and you’ll make a living. Work on yourself and you’ll make a fortune.” - Jim Rohn

Regardless of number of college credits or degrees you have, truth is that much of your success is determined by your attitude. Education is worthwhile but a good attitude is priceless. If you search for a college that has a concentration of study entitled “Attitude,” you will come up empty handed. Yet, world would be a better place if we could all major in “Attitude.”

If attitude is not taught in school, then how come some people have great attitudes and others don’t? More important, how can you change from a mediocre attitude to a magnificent one?

First, to adjust your attitude, you must be brutally honest with yourself and take responsibility for your attitude. You are only one who can change you. Be accountable for who you are and how you behave. Tell yourself that blame is unacceptable.

Second, recognize warning signs like negative thoughts, blame and pessimism. Your mind is like a computer; beliefs you put in (input) create actions you take out (output). For example, if you tell yourself that you are “just okay,” you will be “just okay.” What you think about, you will become.

Third, use positive affirmations. Tell yourself every day that you are an outstanding person capable of achieving your goals. When woman at coffee shop in morning asks how I am, I flash a big smile and reply “I’m great” or I’m outstanding.” Replace negative and mediocre with excellent and amazing. Stand up taller each morning. Breathe deeply to allow air into your diaphragm. Smile more, even at people you don’t know. Live a new level of excellence every day. Reach higher.