As I’m working through The Difference Maker by John Maxwell, I am revisiting a canoe adventure from July 2009 with my son Frank, Brother-in-Law Vern, and his son Michael. The trip was 60 miles down the Green and Colorado Rivers. I guess you could say the adventure was a difference maker in our friendships.
What Your Attitude Cannot Do for You
The Difference Maker, Ch 2. John Maxwell
1. YOUR ATTITUDE CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPETENCE
Some people seem to confuse confidence, which is a function of attitude, with competence. If you think you can do something, that’s confidence.
2. YOUR ATTITUDE CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE
There are times when there is not adequate substitute for experience. Competence, experience, and a positive attitude are a winning combination.
3. YOUR ATTITUDE CANNOT CHANGE THE FACTS
I love what Maya Angelou says about this, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”
4. YOUR ATTITUDE CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
Musician Bruce Springsteen says, “A time comes when you need to stop waiting for the man you want to become and start being the man you want to be.” You need to feed your mind and soul to become the person you desire to be.
5. YOUR ATTITUDE WILL NOT STAY GOOD AUTOMATICALLY
The hardest thing about having a good attitude is that it doesn’t stay that way on its own…I have to remind myself, “Today I am going to have a great attitude!”
Most people overrate decision making, and they underrate decision managing. It’s pretty easy to say to yourself, “From now on, I’m going to have a great attitude.” It’s much harder to actually follow through with it. One of the best things you can do for yourself it to make the daily management of your attitude one of your objectives.