I started this blog series after a recent trip to Eswatini, Africa where I’ve had the privilege of doing relief work since 2007. I spoke at their Global Leadership Summit, and shared 10 wake-up thoughts I try to say out loud every day.
Why do you say them and say them out loud, you might ask?
I cited the research of the popular psychiatrist and brain physiologist Dr. Daniel Amen. He reminds us of the ancient truth that “Life and death are in the power of the tongue…” In other words, what we say has HUGE influence over how life goes.
When we start each day with something like statement #1, “Today is going to be a great day.” Our minds look through our day trying to notice what validates the words we said. It isn’t some magical ‘name it claim it’ approach to life. Wisdom just shows us that what we say tends to come from deep within, and that combination helps shape/interpret our reality.
If you have already read the first two blogs in this series, you’ll know that I see this blending of psychology and theology to be HUGELY HELPFUL as I approach each day.
With that said, here is Wake-up thought #3 of 10: “I’M GOING TO CHOOSE MY ATTITUDE TODAY”
When you think about it, your attitude is pretty special, and powerful. Your attitude is ALL YOURS! No one can take if from you, no one can decide it for you, your attitude is yours.
Before you get defensive and blame other people for your attitude, let me share a story I heard YEARS ago that really shaped me: Two coworkers lived near New York City and took the train to their office every day. They were creatures of habit, EVERY DAY they stopped at a coffee shop just before entering their skyscraper office building. One of them was not a coffee drinker, but he didn’t mind waiting of his friend to order his daily caffeine in a cup. EVERY DAY the barista was rude, acted like he disliked his job, and any customers who came with it. And EVERY DAY the coffee drinking friend was friendly, and cordial with the rude barista.
Finally, one day the non-coffee drinking friend asked “I have watched you in this same ritual for years, you stop for coffee, politely order a cup, and get the worst customer service from a rude barista, BUT you are always so friendly and polite…WHY? He doesn’t deserve your kindness?”
His friend quickly replied with a thought provoking question: “To be sure, the barista is rude and unpleasant (who knows the reason?), but why should I allow him to determine the kind of person I’m going to be, or the attitude I’m going to have?”
WOW…what a great illustration. Your attitude determines so much of who you are and how you come across, so choose your attitude. When things go well, and people are nice, it’s easy to have a good attitude, choose it. BUT, when things don’t go our way, or people treat us poorly, YOU STILL HAVE THE CHOICE OF WHAT ATTITUDE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE.
Don’t let the difficult people or situations in your life determine your attitude, that is too precious to give away to others!
Choose wisely, be who YOU have determined to be, from the inside out. We often have little or no control over our external circumstances…but we always have control over our attitude. In closing, for illustration’s sake, cup your hands like you are holding something very valuable (like a rare coin, a diamond, a delicate piece of jewelry, or small work of art)…only, what you are holding is your VERY VALUABLE attitude, and just quietly whisper….”It’s MY attitude, and I’m the one who is going to choose if for me today.”
Now, out loud, say the three wake-up thoughts, and have an amazing day:
- Today is going to be a great day!
- Whatever happens today, God and I can handle it.
- I’m going to choose my attitude today.
Dr. Stan J. Tharp, MBA 