Many of you have emailed with how you have made some small changes that have had a BIG impact.  For example, changing your eyeglass frames, hairstyle, buying some new clothes are some of the general things you have mentioned.   For most of you, these changes brought compliments from family, friends and co-workers and gave you a boost of inspiration and plain old "good feelings". 

Although this is great, now let's take a longer look at how you act and think.  I read recently how important it is to project a positive attitude, to be a flexible thinker and to project to others an energetic appearance.  So, when we each look at ourselves, how would you rate yourself?  For many of us over 50, it is very important to be aware of the image and attitude we project.  Whether we resist the culture's obsession with "youth" or not, staying employable translates into are you looking and acting as an employee that will contribute.

Now you might be saying, "these are not small changes!"   Well, they aren't unless you take them in bite-size pieces.  Let me address the first one - your attitude (I will address the others later this week).  I challenge each of you to monitor your attitude for a day.  How do you act with family, friends and co-workers?  Are you always the "wet blanket"?  Are you the "can't do"  or "no" person?  What about your moods-are you predictable or up and down?  If you need to, write done your observations and be honest with yourself.  You may be very surprised by how you interact with others.  Finally, ask some of your friends how they view you.  They might not be totally honest to protect your feelings, but you will get some information about how they respond...and watch their body language. 

To really make both physical and internal "small changes", we all must stay the course as adult learners...be open and be willing to make changes that make us more of who we are!

Good luck with your attitude survey today!