There was one instrument on my brother’s plane that he called the “attitude instrument.” This device determined whether the plane was climbing or descending. It indicated whether you were gaining altitude, maintaining your altitude or headed for the ground.
Attitude isn’t everything but it certainly is important. John Maxwell describes it as “the paintbrush of the mind.” In other words, attitude has a significant effect on the picture your life portrays.
When it comes to attitude, there are some areas of caution that need to be considered:
- Your attitude cannot be disconnected from the reality of what is. “It will all work out is not a solution.” It may be a positive attitude but it does not present a practical way to deal with the situation. Attitude does not change the facts but it can change how I look at them. Maya Angelou made the wise observation: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”
- Attitude is not a substitute for competence. Some people confuse confidence, which is a function of attitude, with competence, which is a function of ability. Being filled with self- confidence can be a disguise for fear of failure. Your confidence needs to be built on the foundation of competence.
- Attitude cannot take the place of wisdom. Wisdom is knowing the right thing to do at the right time. My father used to remind me that “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
- Attitude is not a substitute for discipline and self-control. A good attitude does not keep me from tantalizing distractions. A good attitude cannot take the place of the discipline needed to achieve excellence.
- Attitude is something we choose, not something that we inherit.
Attitude may not be everything, but it really is a game changer in the whole of life:
- It affects our outlook on life generally.
- It brings a positive ingredient to all our relationships.
- It makes a difference in how we face the challenges of daily living.
So, what are some attitudes that will change our altitude and enhance our life?
- Commit yourself to a life-long journey of learning. Remember, every person has the potential of teaching you something. Never allow your knowledge and experience to place you above learning something new.
- Allow loss to become the litmus test of your values. As one man said, “I’ve never seen a U-Haul behind a funeral hearse.” Are relationships with family and friends more important than what I possess and the position I hold? Loss can open your heart to the comfort of a caring community.
- Remember, the power of influence is greater than the power of control. The three people who have had the greatest impact on my life are remembered not because of their domineering, dominating personalities but rather the quiet persistent influence on my values.
- Have an insatiable appetite for honor – not what you receive but honor you give by keeping your word and doing what you said you will do.
- Be a mercy dispenser. Make it your practice to give people what they don’t deserve. You will be surprised at the dividends that you receive.
- Make transparency and truth a way of life. Hidden agendas breed distrust and alienation.
- Have the heart of a peacemaker. Restoring relationships have a greater impact than proving you are right.
- Don’t bend your convictions or bury your core values. Shakespeare reminds us: “Know thyself and to thyself be true.”
- “It’s not the gale, but the set of the sail that determines the course you go.” Adversity, misunderstanding and opposition can be doors of opportunity that adjust your course, build new relationships and reinforce your values.
Let your attitude determine your altitude and I’ll see you at the top!
Duane Harder
