The dictionary defines attitude as a “manner, disposition, feeling, or position with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind.” In other words, attitude is an emotional state generated by the way you are understanding reality.
Things happen to us, and we interpret them. The meaning that we give the event creates emotions within us such as anger, frustration, fear, anxiety, joy, excitement, gratitude, or happiness.
How important is your attitude when it comes to reaching your potential, accomplishing an important task, or performing well in your responsibilities? It’s EVERYTHING! Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Any fact facing you is not as important as your attitude toward it, for it determines your success or failure.” In other words, all things being equal, the difference maker is your attitude. Here is why:
1. A positive attitude allows you to see good in the bad.
Napoleon Hill once wrote, “Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” There is almost always something good that can come from something bad. Experience can be gained. Faith can be strengthened. New relationships can begin. Character can be built.
The only way to profit from difficulty is to have the proper perspective and the right attitude. John Maxwell said, “Adversity is prosperity to those who possess a great attitude. Kites rise against, not with, the wind.” With the right attitude, our problems turn into blessings.
2. A positive attitude empowers you to persevere.
In our culture today, quitting has almost become a virtue. When people walk out of a job or a marriage, they are applauded as courageous. I know in certain situations this may be true, and moving on is the right thing to do; however, most people are willing to walk away too quickly.
Today, there seems to be a lack of grit, commitment, and determination. I think it has to do with attitude. When things get tough in a relationship, on a team, on a project, or at a job, the right attitude can serve you well by helping you hang in there until things improve. I love how Thomas Jefferson put it, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”
3. A positive attitude attracts the right people.
The latest research proves that our success in life is almost entirely dependent on others. No one succeeds alone. It’s not just any people, however; it’s the right kind of people who will help us succeed.
How do we attract the right kind of people into our lives? One thing is certain. A negative, glass-half-empty approach to life will not cut it. No one wants to be around a negative person. A bad attitude is toxic to an athletic team, a business, a church, and a family. The truth is that we attract the kind of people we are.
If we want people in our lives who are positive, energetic, glass-half-full people, that is the type of person we must become. Do you want someone who adds value to your life? Be a person who adds value. If you want people around you who enjoy life, then learn how to enjoy life. If you want people who encourage you, encourage them. We attract who we are.
Attitude is EVERTHING! It will make you or break you. W. Clement Stone said, “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”
How is your attitude?
What can you do today to develop a better attitude?
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