How to be more intentional, think more clearly, do more consistently, and have what really matters.
Dick Biggs
Ability vs. Attitude
To do your life`s work well, you must have ability and skills derived through knowledge, and you are aided by natural aptitude. Nevertheless, it`s your attitude that usually provides the opportunity to use your knowledge, ability, and skills in the most enjoyable and meaningful way.
You can choose to have a positive attitude or a negative attitude. But believe this - a negative attitude will not produce positive behavior!
Here are some suggestions for dealing positively with five of life`s familiar attitude-busters:
- Problems. Life would be so much better if you had no financial problems, no people problems, no work problems, no health problems, or any other problems, right? Wrong! Problems are a part of life. Failures complain about their problems and blame everyone else. Successful people become professional problem-solvers and strive to overcome their obstacles by looking for opportunities.
- Self-pity. This is a condition often arising from something beyond your control and commonly viewed as unfair. A self-pitying person asks, "Why me?" This approach allows a negative attitude to prevail. A self-confident person asks, "How now?" This allows a positive attitude to triumph.
- Worry. So many of life`s worries are perceived threats that probably won`t happen or are completely out of your control. Worriers tend to create anxiety about what could happen in the future while endangering their present health through mental distress. Take the attitude that you`re too busy acting on today`s tasks to worry unnecessarily about tomorrow`s troubles.
- Criticism. It`s human nature to enjoy praise and dislike criticism. Yet, constructive feedback is necessary for growth. Good feedback begins with what you did right, proceeds to some suggestions for your improvement, and ends with a cheerful summary that gives you hope. In seeking feedback, look for people with a caring attitude and ignore critics who offer cruel condemnation.
- Fear of failure. Your attitude can determine the fine line between success and failure. Did you know that most achievers have failed their way to success? Listen to the words of Sir Winston Churchill: "Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Instead of fearing failure, let the power of your attitude keep you focused on success.
Dick Biggs is president of Biggs Optimal Living Dynamics. An inspirational speaker, he is the author of If Life is Balancing Act, Why l Am I So Darn Clumsy? For more information about Mr. Biggs, call (770) 886-3035.
