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It is hard to win at anything if the attitude is not right. I went to Webster’s New World Dictionary and learned that attitude means “The position or posture assumed by the body in connection with an action feeling, mood . . . .” It is also related to outlook, disposition, frame of mind, temperament, view, perspective and demeanor. Whether it is a good day or a bad day, may depend on our attitude. Attitude can be the positive factor that propels us to success in life or it can be the negative factor that stymies growth and prohibits successful living. Attitude determines if the glass is half-full or half empty. We all have an attitude about everything we touch. Zig Ziglar has written, among many books, two that have sold millions of copies: See You at the Top and Over the Top. In the latter, he writes about “Moving from survival to stability, from stability to success, from success to significance.” I have heard Zig Ziglar speak to large crowds and more than once, we have talked alone. He tells a story about another powerful speaker I heard in Charleston, WV, in the annual meeting of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. Here it is, from Over the Top. “Remember, it’s not where you start; it’s where you go that counts. Colin Powell’s first job was mopping floors in a soft drink plant. He decided to be the best floor mopper anywhere. He took that same attitude into the military and, as I mentioned earlier, retired in 1993 as the much decorated, highly regarded chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” That kind of floor-mopping-attitude will take you over the top. That is the kind of attitude that spells success for students, teachers, preachers, writers, scientists, athletes, politicians, administrators, soldiers, bankers, salesman, clerks, parents, children and grandparents. You must believe you can do well in what you are doing and do it to the very best of your ability. Charles R. Swindoll, prolific writer of best-selling books, superb preacher, motivator par excellence, brilliant broadcaster, beloved pastor and teacher – a genuinely friendly and compassionate man who writes about attitude and choices with these words: “I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or about my circumstances, my position, or me. Attitude is that ‘single string’ that keeps me going or cripples my progress.” Read Swindoll’s words again and decide that you are going to live with a positive attitude about people, places, things, and yourself. Yes, of course, the Bible has something important to say about attitude. St. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: “Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better” (Ephesians 4:23). In Philippians 2:4, he wrote: “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ” (The Living Bible). To avoid having an attitude problem learn to live with a positive attitude. Others will soon notice the difference and you will also. -30-
** You may republish this story with proper attribution. Send this story to a friend. Share This story is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ASSIST News Service or ASSIST Ministries.
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