Have you ever adjusted the focus on a pair of binoculars? You turn the little dial slightly to the left or right until the picture becomes crystal clear. You need to keep your adjustments tiny because if you move the dial dramatically, you’ll never get a clear picture.
The same is true when it comes to attitudes. If you attempt to make a huge change in the way you think, it usually only lasts a short while. But if you make little attitude adjustments on a regular basis, over time you develop the kind of winning attitude that can help to take you where you want to go.
Great attitudes are attractive. In fact, having a great attitude can take you pretty far in life. Ask any employer which employee they appreciate the most. They probably won’t go on and on about the one who has the longest list of degrees or the highest IQ, although those things are great. They’ll mention the one with the great attitude.
People who keep their attitude in check are great to be around. They think positively about themselves, others and life in general. They refuse to stay discouraged or offended. They also don’t take themselves too seriously.
Notice that I didn’t say that they always think positively and they never get offended. That’s just unrealistic. Everyone has days where they react emotionally in ways they wish they didn’t, and that’s why we all need to keep our attitudes in check. You see, attitudes won’t stay positive by default. Great attitudes are maintained intentionally.
So, what happens if you notice that you need an attitude adjustment?
Let’s say that you’ve been thinking negatively lately. You’ve become pessimistic and have lost hope that anything will ever change. The more you think about it, the more true your expectations seem to be, but in reality your attitude is becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy. You are being pulled in the direction of your negative expectations.
It’s time to make some minor adjustments to your thinking processes. The first step is awareness. Pay attention to what you’re thinking about, and when it’s negative and self-defeating, change it. You don’t have to accept whatever pops into your head. You can choose to think about something else.
You can make positive thinking a habit. By continuing to make little adjustments in your thinking, you’ll develop the habit of having a great attitude. And the best part is this great attitude will precede you as a positive attractive force that not only will influence everyone around you, but will pull you in the direction of your positive expectations.
Leon Fontaine is internationally renowned for his ability to equip people with skills for life. He is the CEO of Miracle Channel and senior pastor of Springs, a contemporary church with six campuses across Western Canada. Visit www.leonfontaine.com for more great articles as well as weekly videos and podcasts. Email your comments to [email protected].
