I've got two sons. One is naturally cheerful and happy, the other is a little dramatic and a lot negative – although we're working hard together to change his outlook. Some recent examples:

Him: "Ugh, tomorrow's Monday, and that means school."

Me: "Well, look at the bright side, it's also Halloween and that's awesome!"

Him: "Ugh, winter's coming."

Me: "Yes and all the fun that comes with it: Thanksgiving, Christmas, sledding, snowball fights... my birthday ;)"

You get the picture. He's always quick to see the negative in any situation, or to answer things in a negative and snappy way. He does that to his little brother – a lot. I've tried to analyze where this comes from and why he does it – and while I have a pretty good idea, the bigger question is how to turn it around. How do I teach my child to see the good in things? To talk in a loving and positive tone even when saying "no" to something? Then I thought – wait, what do I do?

This is the great thing about having kids … they can stop and make you look at the world – and yourself – in a different way every day. They make you think about your actions – what you do, not just what you say. Sometimes you have a legitimate "because I'm a grownup" excuse, and other times you think, "Huh, I don't know why I do that – perhaps I should change it."

Life in our home has been fairly stressful, especially in the past year. Their father and I are divorcing and of course they feel that tension. But I am still bound and determined to help them see the positive in every situation. And they're helping me to do the same (thank heavens). Instead of "Ugh, it's Monday and I have to work," I say, "Well, I'm sad the weekend's over too, but I'm so lucky and grateful to have a job to go to tomorrow." Instead of "I don't get to see you this weekend because you'll be with your Father," I say, "Isn't it nice you get to have one-on-one time with your Dad and do 'boy' things?"

I'm trying to carry this mantra over to my firm as well – to be more positive with and about employees, our clients, the economy and our future. If I don't lead with a positive attitude – we're all in trouble! And of course, if I have a good attitude and work to keep my employees happy, they'll have better attitudes, our work will be better, our clients happier and everyone's future brighter.

We're lucky to have a client on board who's mission is to "Spread the Power of Optimism." Life is Good was founded by two brothers, Bert and John Jacobs, in the late eighties. As we have the pleasure of working with them, I had the chance to talk with them a little bit about their backgrounds, why they started the company, how they've grown, etc. While this isn't the place for that story, what I thought was interesting is that they both point to one guiding factor in their optimistic approach to life: their mother. They told me great stories about her optimism, belief that everything would work out, and constant "look at the bright side attitude." Even when their roof was leaking and water was gushing into their kitchen, she smiled and said she'd always liked dancing in the rain.

So how do you teach your kids to keep dancing in the rain? Employees to keep the faith during the economic ups and downs? Clients, partners and vendors to see the value in all that you do? I'd love to hear your experiences.

Keep smiling and thanks for reading.