The Truth About Attitude

This is the 14th post in my series of 16 posts on lessons learned in 16 years in business. You can scroll down to read others in the series, or read the introductory post here.

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Most everyone would say that attitude is important - even those who would admit theirs isn't as positive as it could be.

And most people who know me would say that I am a pretty upbeat, and positive person. In fact, some have said I was as positive as anyone they've known (and I was even called Pollyanna once).

Given the general world view, and the general consensus of MY world view, this might seem like a strange or obvious lesson to share. Actually, though, perhaps because my inclination is towards the positive, this post is even more valuable and instructive.

You see I write this post not because of my predisposition towards a positive attitude, but because of my observations in working with individuals, teams and organizations over that last 16 years. Those observations lead to these four truths about attitude.

Attitude is a habit. Habits are things we do with out thinking - natural responses. In most cases our attitude is like that - we have a positive or negative attitude based on our recurring habits, not based on anything else.

Attitude is highly valued. Ask any successful business owner or leader and they will tell you. While attitude can be learned, they would rather teach technical skills than attitude. Those who have a positive attitude alone are valuable. Those who have technical expertise AND a solid positive attitude can change the world.

Attitude affects everything. Your attitude impacts your performance, the performance of those around you, your ability to lead, your health, your confidence . . . I could go on, but I hope you get my point.

Attitude is a choice. This one is the most important. Regardless of your habits. Regardless of your circumstances. We can choose our attitude. And the choices we make will affect everything else (as the other four truths tell us).

this is one of the most valuable things I have learned in my business - If you want to be more effective, productive and successful, choose an more positive, proactive attitude.

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