Attitude Helps Lead to Success

Sometimes we complain how difficult life can be. Then we think about how to improve it but when the opportunity comes we let it pass by or don't take full advantage of it. Successful people are the kind of people who are not satisfied with mediocrity while others become complacent and accept the status quo. Some missed out on opportunities because they lose the drive they had when the opportunity first presented itself.  What makes some people succeed while others fall into this trap?  Attitude. The amount of success you have in life is strongly related to your attitude. John Maxwell, author of “Today Matters” tells us, “your attitude-not your achievements-gives you success”. A good example can be derived from a story we are familiar with.

Two customer service representatives had the same training. They were taught how to resolve customer issues over the phone. They both admit that dealing with different types of people calling about various issues is a tough job and it takes a lot of patience. They started off their first 3 months doing a great job. Then one of the representatives started being late and making excuses. He showed no interest in resolving issues yet he wanted to be promoted. He got frustrated and eventually quit. The other representative however, showed consistency and a positive attitude toward work. No matter how difficult his job, he never failed to provide good customer service. He showed consistency and determination and was rewarded with a promotion. On the first day of his training, he set his goal that the time will come, he will no longer take calls and he will supervise representatives. Attitude helped him make it!

Not only do you need to make good decisions daily, you also need to display the right attitude as it makes a difference in how you approach your day. The good news is that even a bad attitude can be changed. It takes an incredible amount of effort but even barely average people can do great. Believing you can show a good attitude helps increases possibilities thus increasing your chance of success.

Keep your attitude positive and it will influence others. People like to be around positive people. Not only that, a positive attitude improves your relationships and positivity impacts your ability for success. On the other hand, a negative attitude is self-defeating because it strips you of your ability to achieve any type of success in your life. If you’re not willing to change it, you will never go far. So, what is your attitude towards success and toward life?

Making Good Decisions Daily

Perhaps you have made good decisions and now you desire to do more with your life. If you are to evaluate your life right now, can you say that you are achieving what you desire? 

Some people approach their lives passively and they don’t lead their lives. They want something but they don’t actively pursue what they want to achieve. Oftentimes we hear people saying “if only I could rewind the hands of time, I would definitely correct the mistakes I made”. 

You see, the choices we make each day have either positive or negative impacts on our lives. We don’t realize our involvement in wrong decisions until the time when we see the repercussions. We cannot turn back the hands of time and there is no time like the present. All of us are only given 24 hours regardless of our achievements, social and financial status. 

The truth is, each of us chooses how to spend our time and if you want change, then think about what you can do today because the decisions you make today give you a better tomorrow. In Today Matters, John Maxwell encourages us to “Learn the disciplines that go with each decision”. In every decision you make, you should add a high sense of self-discipline because without it, you will not reach your full potential.

This reminds me of an intelligent student who is fortunate enough to pass her exams but did the minimum amount of work required and celebrated in the belief that she didn't have to "try" to succeed. She openly admitted to being lazy and ten years later, she realized that she betrayed her potential back then. If she had actually tried, she could have received a scholarship and avoided student loan debt.  She'd not be in a disappointing marriage or a job that leaves her unfulfilled. If she knew this was the result, she could have done things differently. This story reminds us that we should be aware of the decisions we make today, for they determine tomorrow’s achievement or failure. 

Let’s face it, everybody wants to be successful. Sometimes we all want a guarantee before we begin so we know that our efforts will be worth it. It doesn’t work that way. The hardest part is how to get started. We make the commitment first; we see the rewards second. Think about what you can accomplish if you dare to make right decisions and dare to achieve good results. The most successful people in life are the ones who know the real value of making good decisions every day. 

Today's Decision Determines Your Success

Some people misinterpret the word “successful”. Everybody wants to be successful in their own way. The question is how do you really measure your success? If you have attained your goals and desires in life, do you consider yourself successful? If yes, does that mean you are content with your life? Sometimes being successful is easier said than done. Many think being successful involves having a lot of money, fame or status. Yes, these could contribute to your success but this is a faulty view of success.

Many people believe that “if only” they had the right opportunity, "if only" they knew the right people or "if only" they had the capital to invest then it would be easier for them to achieve their goals. You feel frustrated and all you can do is to wish you win the lottery. Success doesn’t work that way. It’s not about luck nor is success earned overnight. Stop living the "if only" life and start finding solutions to the excuses we so easily convince ourselves of.

We often think that to be successful we need to find the magic formula. We like “short-cuts” in life. Successful people regardless of their industry have been found to share similar traits. They have the ability to know their strengths and weaknesses. They work hard in the areas of their strength to become the best they can be.  Too often we believe we must work on our weaknesses to become better.  No, you will never become great in an area of weakness.  You can only become great in those things you are already good at.  Spend your efforts there and people will recognize your achievements.

The decisions you make today have a big impact on your life. Don’t re-live yesterday and don't worry about tomorrow because today is all you have. Review your goals and manage your life by making important decisions daily. If you make everyday decisions important and you discipline yourself, then you are on the right path to success. Your success starts with today.