I’m trying to become one of those really cheery, uplifting people. Not the irritating Pollyannaish ones, but rather one of those people that when encountered really, truly make you feel like you wish you’d spent more time with them.

Morose and sullen people are no fun to be around. Pollyanna’s are only good for a few minutes, then they just get on your nerves.

But somewhere in between are those people who really make a positive impact and are worth seeking out and engaging.

That’s where I’m headed, but it’s taking a long time. There is one thing that I’ve done that does seem to matter though. It’s a little thing, almost imperceptible to most of the people that I encounter, but it’s a step. Hopefully a step in the right direction.

I’ve come to the conclusion that taking control of my life is a more successful approach than letting life happen to me. I think it’s a universal truth, but I’ve struggled for a long time with how to share that wisdom with people. Then it hit me…tell them.

While that sounds obvious, I also don’t want to be one those know-it-alls who gets irritating. Nobody is forcing you to read this blog, so I don’t feel so know-it-all-ish if you’re coming back for more.

But I did want to find a way to be a positive influence and tell people that taking control is working for me, and it should work for them too. So I thought about it. A lot. Then I came up with a really simple solution that anyone can implement. It just involved changing the words that I use to encourage people, to sign my e-mails, and to say see you later in a more positive way.

Instead of telling people to “have a nice day”, I’m telling them “Make it a great day!”. The words aren’t all that different, but the meanings are miles apart. Practically on the opposite sides of a chasm. “Have a nice day” implies that your day will happen to you. You don’t have much control over it, so what happens, happens. Part of my personal philosophy does jibe with this idea…some things are out of our control, so we need to let them happen and not fret about it. But the other part of my personal philosophy is that how we react to things is even more important. When I tell somebody “Make it a great day!”, I mean that in every sense of each of the words. I’m saying, “Get out there and do something. Make conscious decisions. Make the choice to make the best of things you can’t control. Share your greatness with other folks.”. That would be too much of a mouthful, so I’ve shortened it to “Make it a great day!”.

Funny thing is, I’ve caught my kids doing it every so often. Sure, we still say “Have a nice day” upon occasion, but more and more often we’re sharing the sentiment “Make it a great day!”.

Honestly, when one of them says that to me I feel a lot more empowered, in control, and energized to go out and make a difference.

So my thought for you today: Make it a great day!