Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)  We’ve all learned the importance of a good attitude. We also know that a positive outlook can be easy to fake when things are going well. However, when the pressure hits, attitudes show their true colours. This is because our attitudes stem from our deepest, inner beliefs of the heart. To keep a positive attitude even when things are rough, your beliefs need to line up with the positivity you’re putting out. We’ve been on a series discussing three steps to developing a great attitude: choose, refuse and expect. First, you need to choose to have a good attitude because only you control your approach to life. Second, …

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)  Changing your attitude isn’t a monumental undertaking. To form a great attitude toward every area of your life, you need to stay open to new perspectives and make a few small adjustments. As we’ve said, there are three steps involved in changing your attitude: choose, refuse and expect. Yesterday we covered the first one, and today we’ll discuss the second: refuse to let your positive attitude go.  Romans 12:2 teaches us not to be conformed to this world. While many people take this verse to mean that we need to …

Finally, brethern, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report admirable, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)  A study performed by a team of psychologists at a leading university determined that attitude accounts for 85 percent of what makes people successful. Education, intelligence and talent are important, but they only account for about 5 percent of success. The good news is that you can form a great attitude toward every area of your life. Three simple steps are involved: choose, refuse and expect. Today we’ll cover the first one: choose your attitude. Your attitude is one …

Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) Studying leadership is a great passion of mine. I’ve read countless books on leadership from people who have the ability to lead their organizations with excellence, but also to teach leadership principles in a powerful way. While there are many differences in their style, direction and purpose, there’s one similarity in each of these successful leaders—a great attitude. Knowledge and skill are certainly important, but attitude is one of the greatest determining factors for success. We all know people who are talented and knowledgeable, but stuck in dead-end careers. We can also think of people who …

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. …