The following excerpt was taken directly from Chris Brady's critically acclaimed book, Rascal:
It has often been said, “Attitude is everything.” Author John Maxwell, however, offers a great distinction: “Attitude is not everything; rather, attitude is the difference maker.”
Having a positive mental attitude could be summed up with the statement, “It’s not what happens, it’s how you respond.” To respond is to react with maturity, with an attitude focused upon the silver lining among the storm clouds, with a belief that “this too shall pass,” and an overriding optimism that says “as long as this doesn’t kill me, I will be just fine!”
Filmmaker Tyler Perry is no stranger to managing his response to challenges. The son of a verbally and physically abusive father, Perry changed his name to disassociate himself with the man who had inflicted so much pain. As a troubled kid, Tyler dropped out of school at age 16. He eventually returned and obtained his G.E.D., and then struggled to make films relevant to an audience he felt was largely missed by mainstream Hollywood: middle-class African Americans. His first movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, received harsh criticism on the Internet. The viewing public felt differently, however, and the project turned out to be a smash hit, grossing over $50 million. Perry has since written, directed, produced, and starred in many more successful films, has been featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes, and has received a smattering of other awards and recognition. Perry’s attitude of overcoming was critical to his success.
Martha Washington said, “I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” Notice that Mrs. Washington used the word determined. She was cheerful and happy because she was determined to be. Having a positive attitude is a decision. The second truth embedded in her statement is that circumstances should not determine attitude. Anyone can be positive when things are going well. It takes a winner to find the bright side of a dismal situation.
Having a positive attitude also comes from preparedness, hard work, and dedication. Once someone has committed fully to a project or undertaking, it is easier to have a positive attitude because of the confidence that comes from effort and preparation. In this light, a positive attitude is seen not only as a decision in spite of circumstances, but a perspective earned through the correct efforts. Reinforcing attitude with strivings in the right direction completes a powerful circle of positive.
Having a positive, unquenchable attitude, however, is different than being a blind optimist. Ignoring the facts or sticking one’s head in the sand with a cheerful heart is like smiling while going bankrupt. Nothing is accomplished by such buffoonery. Having a positive attitude doesn’t preclude seeing things realistically, confronting brutal reality, or any other number of assessments required by a Rascal. It merely means that efforts won’t suffer self-sabotage from an immature attitude, and mighty obstacles will be no match for a truly ambitious will.
Lou Holtz, one of the most successful college football coaches in history, said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)