Changing Attitudes
The second of my three keys to success in 2013 starts with you. You must challenge yourself to Be Good and Get Better. Furthermore, if you really want to do what you do better, you’ll start right now.
To achieve authentic success in 2013 in all areas of your life, you must have an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful for who you are and what you are able to do. Identify your own individual “gift package.” Limit any negative thinking, and stop comparing yourself to others
Avoid thinking things like, “Yes, I am doing well, but Cheryl is achieving twice the results I am.” You started the thought in a positive way; you already know you’re doing well. But that second, negative part will get you every time.
Bryan Neale, of The Advanced Selling Podcast, tells us to not let negative thoughts “live rent free” in our minds. Many of us go through life keeping score. We constantly compare ourselves to others. Rather than compare yourself to the Cheryls of this world, focus on the progress you have made, are making or want to make in your own life. If you must keep score, use an “inner scorecard” where you track your progress compared only to you and what you know you can achieve.
Believe me, negative thoughts have a way of piling up and becoming quite the distraction … or worse. I have a dear friend who, years ago, considered committing suicide. He found himself in a situation much like that of the George Bailey character in the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. George, played by James Stewart, thought his family would be better off without him. My friend thought the same thing. In our true-life situation, we did an intervention with him at my office. His friends came together and gathered around him to remind him of all the wonderful people and things in his life. As in the movie, this story had a happy ending. Things ultimately worked out for my friend and all involved. But it took a change in attitude—and a focus on the attitude of gratitude—to get him headed in the new and right direction.
Think of yourself as a medal that needs polishing. You’re already a winner and worth quite a bit. But you have to understand and look after your own “gift package.” Focus on what you are good at doing, and work at doing more of whatever that is for you. Once again, having a mentor in your life who can offer perspective regarding your strengths and challenges is a plus. Find someone who can help keep you positive and focused on your many abilities during the inevitable dark times during the year.
Sport psychologist Dr. Kevin Elko put it this way: “If you lost everything you had today and got it all back tomorrow, you would feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
That’s the perfect way to sum up a life of authentic gratitude!
What, exactly, are you thankful for in your everyday life?