A is for Attitude
In my blog, I've been writing about "Everything Counts." While my focus might seem to be on business, the reality — at least from my perspective — is that this applies to everything in life. Yes, everything counts in everything.
Part of the "everything" that counts is attitude.
I admit to being biased. While I acknowledge that there are chemical and biological conditions that can control how we feel and, therefore, our attitude, I also believe that many of us choose how we feel and the attitude we have toward life.
Every day when I wake up, I choose optimism. There are unexplored and undiscovered joys and excitement to be had today. That doesn't mean that everything is perfect or that I never feel down or discouraged. What it does mean is that I can choose to look for the positive, share the excitement, and understand that each day presents both opportunities and challenges. And that sometimes the challenges are going to kick my butt.
One of the simplest and most common examples of attitude is "How are you?"
When someone asks you "How are you?" you have a choice. You can share every little challenge, discouragement, frustration, and disappointment. Or you can share the positives. I'm not talking about lying. Some reader will say "but there's nothing positive going on! Do you want me to PRETEND to be happy about my situation?"
Nope. I don't want you to pretend. I want you to look a little harder.
As you know, I'm a survivor of a heart attack, a benign tumor inside my head (which has been removed twice and is growing back), a hernia, knee injuries, broken bones, and most recently a benign tumor in my hand and a prostate biopsy (I'm fine, and hope never to have to go through that again!). I could certainly focus on all of those things and more. After all, each of us has many challenges and frustrations and fears and disappointments and... Well, the list goes on and on.
But each of us also has many many things for which we should be grateful.
And so, if you ask me how I am, I'm most likely to say "Great!" or "Excellent!"
Why? Because I wake up each morning. That's a good thing. And I wake up each morning to my wife, having done so for almost 30 years. That's a glorious thing. And I get to talk to, work with, and just be with some wonderful people every day. I accomplish things and contribute to the lives of others. Wow!
I have a roof over my head, sufficient food to eat, decent clothing, and warmth.
In the larger scheme of things, I could be a lot worse off!
That reminds me of the fellow whom I see at the intersection of Braker Lane and Mopac Expressway here in Austin. He carries a sign that says something like "Working 2 part time jobs. Have three daughers. Not homeless, just trying to make ends meet." How would you feel if you were working two jobs, trying to raise three daughters, and just didn't have enough money? I'm assuming, of course, that this guy is legit.
What's noteworthy about this fellow is that he makes eye contact with the drivers who come by. Many of the folks with signs just walk up and down, not making eye contact. I believe that's because they don't want to make the drivers feel uncomfortable. But not this fellow - not only does he make eye contact, but he smiles. I've spoken to him a couple of times, and he's pleasant and positive. He doesn't look like he's miserable or that he wants me to feel sorry for him.
I wonder how I'd do in his situation. I don't think I'd be out working the street like that, but I'm pretty sure that I'd have the same kind of attitude.
What attitude do you carry with you and show to people?
Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness,
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Steven works with entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to clarify their communications and concepts so that they can dramatically increase their business profitability.
Steven
List is the co-founder of BackOfTheRoom.com, an online bookstore specializing in self-published and small press products.
Steven has delivered speeches to international, national and local
audiences in industries including technology, healthcare, law, education,
financial services, employment, and arts/entertainment. He has authored
numerous articles and columns in leading publications.
Steven has benefited from a heart attack, business failure, and job layoffs, leading to his owning and running a successful business, leading numerous teams in business and volunteer work, and to being married for over 25 years and having four children. His philosophy, “The Money is in Your Blind Spot!™” addresses finding value in the skills, knowledge, expertise, experience, and people we take for granted. Steven mixes wit, enthusiasm and humor with motivational stories to deliver hard-hitting messages that compel attendees to achieve astounding results in their life, work and relationships. Known for his passion and sincerity, Steven is an accomplished and exciting speaker who speaks from real life experiences – not textbook theory. People who hear Steven speak learn real lessons that they can use tomorrow.
Steven is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, custom seminars and workshops, weekend retreats, and as Master of Ceremonies / Grand Mixer
For more information, please visit StevenList.com or contact Steven or call 512-246-3533.
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