Zig Ziglar constantly
teaches that “Attitude makes the difference.” It really does.
Attitudes are such a difference maker in our lives that Jesus began His
most famous sermon by talking about the attitudes we should have. We know
them as the “Beatitudes.”
Most people believe
attitudes just happen. They don't. Attitudes are formed by the thoughts we hold
in our minds over a period of time. Negative thoughts, such as doubt,
fear, or bitterness, produce a negative attitude thereby producing negative actions
which produce negative results. Positive thoughts produce a positive
attitude which produces positive actions thereby producing positive results.
It's not easy to change
our negative attitudes. This is why Paul said in Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Paul says we can choose
how we think, therefore we can choose our attitude. Attitude is a choice.
The ability to choose our thoughts and thereby control our attitude is
one of our greatest blessings.
How can we change
negative thoughts into positive ones, thereby producing a positive attitude?
First and foremost
surround yourself with positive people. Also read positive, inspirational
books, and listen to positive messages.
I love “The Paradoxical Commandments
of Leadership” written by Kent M. Keith because they speak of
us having a positive attitude in a negative world. Follow these and you
will most certainly stand out.
People are illogical, unreasonable and
self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of
selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and
true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten
tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest man with the biggest ideas can be
shot down
by the smallest men with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building can be destroyed
overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help, but may attack you if
you do help them.
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get
kicked in the teeth.
Give the world your best anyway.
