The Power of Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is like a lighthouse in a storm. It shows you the way. When that beacon of light shines on you, you’re automatically motivated. A positive attitude is what moves you toward your goal. Even if you don’t accomplish everything you set out to do on a given day, you know you’re going to give it your best shot.

The one thing you have full control over is your attitude

A few years ago, I read the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. He spent 27 years in prison, 18 of which were at Robben Island. In the cold winter, he had to sleep on a hard floor, with one blanket and no mattress. He had a bucket for a toilet and was forced to do harsh labour in a quarry.

He was allowed one visitor per year for thirty minutes, and he could write and receive one letter every six months. These letters were read and censored by the prison guards. When his son died in a car accident, he was not allowed to attend the funeral.

Despite all these hardships, this is how Nelson Mandela described his time at Robben Island:

• “Prison itself is a tremendous education in the need for patience and perseverance. It is above all a test of one’s commitment.”
• “I always knew that someday I would once again feel the grass under my feet and walk in the sunshine as a free man.”
• “When I walked out of prison, that was my mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both.”
• “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.”
• “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made mistakes along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

This is not a political discussion, but rather a reflection of the character of a great man, who realised that one thing he had absolute control over was his attitude. He could have given into bitterness and hate but chose a path of reconciliation.

Choose how you turn up each day

1. You can’t always control what is going on around you. This does not mean you give up. You need to own your own future – it’s in your hands.
2. Challenge yourself to improve.
3. Believe you are unstoppable.

You decide whether to let circumstances dictate how you behave or react to something. You control the actions of your mind.

Attitude starts from within

Attitude is where motivation begins—from within. It is what drives you to satisfy your needs and wants successfully.

Inside each of us, there is a voice that creates the urge and desire to succeed, to push, to exert ourselves to go on, even in the face of adversity, until we achieve our goals.

Reflect on this statement:

A positive attitude always listens to that voice. It is the voice that “introduces you to yourself.”

How do you think a positive attitude can introduce you to yourself? There is no right or wrong answer here, just your reflection on what this means to you.

A positive attitude is a choice. And like a lighthouse will get you through the tough times; the stormy seas, when you really need to hunker down; the times when attitude can make the difference, especially when difficult decisions have to be made.

Don’t leave home without your positive attitude.

A positive attitude is most important when you are faced with things you cannot control.

Here’s the good news: being positive and confident that you’re going to fulfill the needs of every person you meet generates enthusiasm—and it’s contagious! Your attitude determines a positive buying experience.

Make every with whom you come into contact feel special – pay more compliments. The people you meet will feed off your enthusiasm.

You will have doubts. You can’t control that. It’s called being human. You can, however, control how you respond to those kinds of situations. The key is attitude. Everything will fall into place, but first you’ve got to change your attitude and focus on the task at hand.

How do you maintain a positive attitude?

Here are a few things you can do to develop a positive attitude:

1. Start with your “why”: Begin your day by saying your “why” statement out loud. Focus on the problem you solve for customers.
2. Have a look at your goals: Commit to taking an active step towards achieving those goals.
3. Listen to your body: If you are feeling anxious, your body will tell you. Spend some time becoming aware of how you feel and choose to take control of your emotions.
4. Focus on the present: Focus on what you can influence right now. Living with regrets and worrying about the future does not move you closer to your goals.
5. Spend time with people who motivate and inspire you: Avoid negative people – don’t let their negative attitude influence you.
6. Choose how you will show up today: Make a conscious decision to have a positive attitude, despite everything that is going on around you. This will take effort and discipline to achieve.

 Next steps

Start this process today and create a daily habit of choosing your attitude.

1. Read out your “why” statement and look at your goals.
2. Close your eyes and become aware of what your body is telling you. Are you feeling calm, or is there tension in your body?
3. Picture your day in your mind – think about how wonderful it will feel when you achieve success. Picture yourself performing the tasks for the day and you are doing it with a positive attitude, passion, and enthusiasm.
4. Make a conscious decision to have a positive attitude – commit to it.

 Present a positive and confident image to everyone with whom you come into contact.