WHAT LIES BEHIND US AND WHAT LIES BEFORE US ARE TINY MATTERS COMPARED TO WHAT LIES WITHIN US. — WALT EMERSON

It is possible to be successful without a good attitude, but it is far less likely. In fact, a poor attitude in general significantly decreases your potential to experience success. Also, your attitude determines how much you enjoy the success you do gain.

It’s true that some people are born with a more “sunny” disposition than others. It is equally true that attitude is a choice. Everyone gets to choose their attitude every day. Everyone gets to improve their attitude if they want to. No doubt you have observed people who have little and go through tough times but do so with grace, poise, and even a smile. That’s a choice. There are others who have much and suffer little, yet still complain! That is also a choice. Which is the better life?

Leaders understand that the power of a good attitude is one of life’s best-kept secrets. It costs nothing and the rewards are amazing. While it is possible for people of great talent and high drive to be successful with a bad attitude, as mentioned, it’s rare, and takes much more effort. More significantly, they are not happy. The powerful truth is that people with average talent can accomplish great things with a great attitude! This truth can change your life and the lives of the people you care about.

A primary driving force of attitude is how you think. We all have an occasional negative thought, but we get to decide what we do with it. We can soak in it or shut it down! How is that done? Think about something different! This is not a blindly optimistic approach to life, it’s a wise choice. Life can dish up difficult circumstances, but a negative attitude never solved a problem or improved anyone’s situation.

LESSON 1

ATTITUDE

1LEADERSHIP COACHINGThe Maxwell Leadership Center

Take turns reading aloud the following paragraphs. As you read, underline the ideas that capture your attention.

M A K E T O D AY C O U N TB Y J O H N C . M A X W E L L

MAKE TODAY COUNT | ATTITUDE

LESSON 1 2

BENEFITS

If you practice a positive attitude you will experience these benefits:

1. You increase your possibilities. Doors open to you. People want to be around you. Life has a certain momentum to it, either forward or backward. A good attitude propels you forward.

2. You minimize your unproductive characteristics such as impatience, anger, jealousy, envy, or moodiness.

3. You begin to think better. Your mind clears up and helps you stop wasting energy (because it’s negative). You are better able to be creative, solve problems, and generate fresh ideas.

4. You enjoy life more. This alone is worth it! Life can be difficult but you choose how you perceive it. A good attitude helps you endure tough times and deeply appreciate life’s blessings.

CHARACTERISTICS

Leaders with a great attitude demonstrate certain characteristics:

1. They understand attitude. Attitude is an inward feeling expressed by an outward behavior. Both can be changed. It’s a choice.

2. They look for what is good and believe the best. They focus on what is true and right and adds value to others.

3. They refuse to get stuck in the negative. They don’t allow a bad day to get the best of them. They choose to take lemons and make lemonade.

4. They take responsibility for their own attitude. They don’t blame others or life in general. A tough life may explain negative behavior but it doesn’t excuse it.

5. They are not complainers. No matter what comes their way, they speak positive and uplifting words. If they don’t have something good to say they don’t say it.

LEADERSHIP COACHINGThe Maxwell Leadership Center

Another shaping element of attitude is expectation. You get what you expect. If you look for the good in life you will find it. If you focus on what is wrong, messed up, and negative, your life will migrate in that direction. Look for the good!

Also, who you associate with has a significant impact on your overall disposition in life. Get around positive people. Cultivate uplifting friendships. You can’t fully avoid people with negative attitudes but you can minimize your time with them and refuse to think the way they do. Conduct yourself like the person you want to become. If you have a “sour attitude” day, shake it off and make tomorrow a better day!

As you read, continue to underline the ideas that capture your attention.

LESSON 1 3

STEPS TO FOLLOW

1. Evaluate your present attitude. Be honest with yourself or possibly ask a trusted friend. Cultivating a good attitude starts with knowing the truth about your present attitude.

2. Change your thinking. If you struggle with a critical nature, negativity or “the glass is half empty” syndrome you can decide to think differently. Even if you are generally positive, everyone can improve their thought patterns in order to become more productive.

3. Face your fears. Fear can wear on a good attitude. From fear of failure to fear of rejection, these things can break down even the best attitude. If there is a particular fear you struggle with, name it and devote yourself to conquering it.

4. Associate with positive people. This is essential. You will be like the people you most associate with.

5. Learn from your mistakes. Even people with the very best attitudes make mistakes and experience failure. Your good attitude is what helps you get back up, learn, and keep going!

Choose something you underlined from any of the above material that is important to you. Take a minute to tell everyone what you chose and why it was important to you.

REFLECT AND RESPOND

Choose one of the questions below and share a brief answer with your group.

1. What is one thing that really turns your attitude sour in a hurry and why?

2. What is one thing that really helps you maintain a good attitude?

3. Are you more tempted to see the glass half empty or half full? Why?

EVALUATION AND ACTIONRate yourself according to your overall daily attitude.

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MAKE TODAY COUNT | ATTITUDE

Why did you give yourself this rating?

Who do you know that consistently demonstrates a positive attitude? What do you admire about this person?

What specific action can you take immediately that will improve your rating?

Make Today Count © 2004 John C. Maxwell and is used with permission.

Take a minute to share your responses to the self-evaluation section, including the step you will take to improve.