Two shoe salesmen were given a new territory on a Pacific island. Immediately upon arrival, the first salesman placed an urgent call to the home office: “Get me out of here. No one on this island wears shoes.”
Attitude—-the altitude adjuster—-determines whether we fly high or low, crash or soar, glide or slide. Attitude is more significant than what’s happened or what’s happening. Attitude is more consequential than the past, than genetics, than education, than money, than appearance, or talent. Attitude is more important than what other people think about us.
A couple of days ago I had a pity party. I became upset with everything and everybody. Suddenly I felt ashamed. I wasn’t any better than a spoilsport. I rebuked myself: Anybody can have a positive attitude when things are going well. It’s how you act when things are going badly that determines the strength of your character. An appropriate attitude means feeling hopeful in challenging times. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Count your blessings. Look for the good.
I shared my insight with a friend who, later that day, gave me a adhesive label to place on my bathroom mirror. Now whenever I shave, brush my teeth, or comb my hair, I see the message: Attitude is Everything. This little reminder helps me tidy up my point of view.
Whether we are running hot, running cold, or simply running on overload, we can take charge of our attitude by remembering these aphorisms:
- Emotional disposition outshines our social position
- What matters is what happens in us not to us
- Choices, not circumstances, determine how we think
- Activity cures misery
- The most certain way to success is to try one more time
- Act “as if” to get positive results
- What I think trumps what others think
- Contentment depends on our response to events
- Gratitude adjusts our attitude.
Do platitudes help us live better? Do bathroom decals influence us? Are positive stories helpful? You bet! Inspiration transforms attitudes.