18 Feb Attitude Determines Altitude
“Whether you think you can or think you cannot, either way you’re right.“
Henry Ford
This Henry Ford quote resonates with me, because it reinforces that we all have the power to choose our thoughts.
By definition, an “attitude” is a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something and that is reflected in behavior. And, that cycle of behavior begins with our choice of thoughts.
You always have the power to choose, regardless of circumstance. Yes, you can absolutely be victimized – bad things happen that are not fair or justified. But, it is always a choice if you’re going to remain a victim. There is a big difference between reacting and responding. When ensconced in a victim mentality, it is difficult to be future focused and see possibilities, causing “reactions” that may be counterproductive. With the right attitude and a growth mindset, you can choose to respond by seeing possibilities (they’re always there) and look for opportunities beyond your current circumstances. The choice is yours’!
Are you willing to grow through what you go through? Your attitude can provide fuel for growth or cement blocks to keep you stuck. In Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill often references the importance of having the right attitude to achieve success. He shared the object of the book was to help people learn the art of changing their minds from failure consciousness to success consciousness. Once again, the choice is yours’.
“There are no limitations to the mind, except those we acknowledge.“
Napoleon Hill
The road to success is never without obstacles or challenges. The reality, attitude and results are inseparable. How you choose to respond to those proverbial bumps in the road, will significantly impact your trajectory moving forward. Even when mistakes are made and things go wrong, it doesn’t have to signal the end of the road. When using a GPS system to navigate your route, what happens if you make a wrong turn or miss an exit? The GPS system doesn’t say, “You’re stuck. You’re screwed. You have to stay here forever.” It says, “Rerouting or recalculating”, so give yourself the same grace. Look for the gift in the situation. Obstacles and challenges can provide valuable insight for future endeavors. Who doesn’t want to learn “what not to do?”
Success is a long game and your attitude is the biggest predictor of your altitude. You cannot be stopped when you embrace difficulties as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Remember Henry Ford’s words…
“Whether you think you can or think you cannot, either way you’re right.”
The choice is always yours!