"Some people grin and bear it; others smile and…

“Some people grin and bear it; others smile and change it” is a frequently cited approach to work and to life. “Better smile and change it, than grin and bear it” has been cited in print since at least 1945 and is of unknown authorship.

Google News Archive
10 August 1945, Miami (FL) Daily News, “Business of Living” by Dr. Elisha A. King, pg. 4, col. 6:
I ran upon a couple of lines that somebody had cherished and printed, and they express my philosophy of living so pointedly that I pass them on. “Some folk grin and bear it while others smile and change it.”

14 February 1950, Long Beach (CA) Press-Telegram, “Women’s Sudden Changes Keep Pollsters Worried” by Criswell, pg. B7, col. 4:
You will soon hear a new series of church sermons over your radio with such alluring titles as “Don’t Be So Heavenly-minded That You’re No Earthly Good,” “Better Smile and Change It, Than Grin and Bear It” and “If Life Hands You a Lemon, Make Lemonade.”

Google Books
The Railroad Yardmaster
Volumes 37-39
1955
Pg. 76:
...some people GRIN AND BEAR IT— others SMILE AND CHANGE IT!

Google Books
Shredded Wit
By Vernon K. McLellan
Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers
1988
Pg. 100:
Some people grin and bear it. Others smile and change it.

Google Books
The Educator’s Book of Quotes
By John Blaydes
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press
2003
Pg. 78:
Some people grin and bear it. Others smile and change it. — Author Unknown

2 September 2009, The Valley Independent (Monessen, PA), Brian Herman column, pg. 1B, col. 1:
And thanks to Dr. John Eisley, of Rostraver Township, who says some grin and bear it; others smile and change it!

RedDirt Chronicles
January 24, 2011
2011 Ranch Hand Guide: #3. Some People Grin and Bear It. Other People Smile and Change It.
by Julie at the ranch
I love my life out here on the ranch, but it is not without its hardships and disappointments. Everyone has his or her burdens to bear, but the key to putting them behind you is what Rule #3 is all about: choice and attitude.