If attitude were everything, then the only thing that would separate me from a successful singing career would be the belief that I can do it…no attitude is strong enough to compensate for lack of skill.
Where Did You Get Your Attitude?
1. Personality – WHO YOU ARE Your personality type – your natural “wiring” – impacts your attitude.
2. Environment – WHAT’S AROUND YOU The environment you were exposed to growing up [family of origin] definitely has an impact on your attitude.
3. The Expression of Others – WHAT YOU FEEL Most people can remember the harsh words of a parent or teacher even years or decades after the fact. A few words can change the way a person things of himself and can change the course of his life.
4. Self-Image – HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF How you see yourself makes a tremendous impact on your attitude. Poor self-image and poor attitudes often walk hand in hand.
5. Exposure to Growth Opportunities – WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE If [growing up] you were rarely exposed to growth experiences or taken outside of your comfort zone, then you may have to work harder to cultivate a positive attitude toward positive personal growth.
6. Association with Peers – WHO YOU ARE WITH It’s a fact that you start becoming like the people you spend a lot of time with.
7. Beliefs – WHAT YOU THINK Many factors…come together to shape your attitude…what forms and sustains your attitude today…your thoughts. The sum of all your thoughts comprises your overall attitude.
8. Choices – WHAT YOU DO The longer you live, the more your life is shaped by your choices.
To change your life, you must make a choice to take responsibility for your attitude, and to do everything you can to make it work for you. Your attitude truly can become a difference maker. It’s up to you.
From The Difference Maker Chapter 1 by John Maxwell