There is no such thing as a genetic poor attitude, but many of us have practiced it enough throughout our lives that it has become a part of us.  What I have found is that maintaining a positive attitude is a daily decision.  Those that have been doing it longer may not find it as difficult and tedious but it is a daily decision none the less for all of us.  I have compiled a list of what I think are 10 ways to maintain a positive attitude every day:

1. Exercise - exercise does amazing things to the body.  It is a great outlet for stress and also can release endorphins that can produce a general state of well being in your mind and body.
2. Eat Right - I am the last person to lecture anyone about eating right.  I eat very few vegetables and plenty of meats.  I take a lot of vitamins to supplement what I don't eat.  So either eat really good or get on a good vitamin supplement.  There is an old saying "Garbage in - Garbage out."  What you put in your body will be reflected in your general mood and demeanor.  
3. Be Helpful - we all have an ego need to help.  Unfortunately many of us also have been brainwashed to believe that we should never do anything for free.  Hogwash!  Start lending a helping hand and your reward will glow within and display through your attitude.
4. Be Thankful - we were all born selfish.  In fact many of our first words were "mine."  In our daily lives of striving, enough is never enough.  The sweet bliss of contentment is nowhere to be found in our lives and our attitude reflects it.  Be thankful for what you've got and who you've got.  Take a daily (if not hourly) stock of all of the blessings in your life.
5. Stay Away From "Downers" - we've all been around downers and most likely at some time in our life we have been the Downer.  Decide not to put up with it from yourself or from others.  Downers are like cancer - they spread and kill the joy in life.  Protect your attitude from Downers.
6. Smile - my mother used to tell me that she knew what I was thinking because it was written all over my face.  Make a conscious effort to smile as often as possible.  I'm not saying you should be the Joker, but people should see your smile more often than your sour face.  A smile feeds a positive attitude.

   

7. Remain Humble - The ancients called it "Hubris."  It is the superiority complex we have all felt when we are on top of a mountain.  Resist it!  Pride truly does go before a fall!  Smugness chokes the life out of a positive attitude.  
8. Curtail Sarcasm - those that know me know this is one I battle with a lot.  Sarcasm, like most things in life, is OK in moderation.  Once you get in excess sarcasm (and it doesn't take much), it can transform into cynicism.  That cynicism can be absolutely lethal to your attitude.  
9. Put Everything in Perspective - when we get overwhelmed it is easy to think the whole world is crashing in on us.  Remember all is not lost and that someone, somewhere has worse things going on in their life.  A few years ago I saw the movie "World Trade Center."  Every time I think I have it bad I just say to myself, "At least I'm not buried at the bottom of a collapsed building with the thought that every breath may be my last."  Things could always be worse.
10. Surround Yourself with Positive People - the old saying "it only takes one apple to spoil the bunch" is very true.  Chose to create a positive atmosphere in your home and office (regardless of the situations).  It is much easier to stay positive and upbeat when there is an environmental expectation of such.