People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Proverbs 10:17 (NLT)
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal.” He also said, “Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” If having the right attitude is so important, then how can you tell when yours is off?
One way you can tell is by noticing what you say when you talk to yourself. You see, your attitude isn’t the mask you work hard to present to the world. It is the little things you mutter under your breath or the internal dialogue that takes place as you smile and count your blessings.
What do you say to yourself when things go wrong? Do you blame yourself? Blame others? If you find yourself always jumping to the negative, you may have a few misbeliefs in that area that you need to change.
Another way to assess your attitude is by asking those around you. Ask someone you trust, “How’s my attitude?” or “How have my habits been lately?” Close friends and mentors are invaluable when it comes to your growth. In fact, their coaching and correction shows the way to life, according to Proverbs 10:17.
If it comes to your attention that your attitude in an area has been lacking, don’t stress out about it. Even small adjustments to your attitude can profoundly affect your life.
Make one little change this week. Start by making a mental list of what you’re thankful for every night or learn to say something encouraging to those you love every day. Just start somewhere and watch as the effects begin to snowball in your life.