When Donna submitted this
quote, I knew it would have to be the subject of one of our Good
Mornings. I think this quote speaks to one of the core issues many
self-improvement programs miss. We can't "ignore the facts," as we
strive to create a better life. While positive thinking is a great
tool, if we ignore the facts, we set ourselves up for disappointment.
That's why the Make Today
Matter Program is 30 steps versus "5 days to a better life." We don't
ignore what is around us. We methodically work through the "life
clutter" while maintaining a positive attitude because we are "taking
control." A positive attitude shouldn't be something we "brainwash"
ourselves to have. A true positive attitude is born when we take
action, take responsibility, and start regaining control of the many
areas of our lives.
We can learn a lot by looking
at the flipside of this. If our attitudes aren't positive, then we can
assume that we are either:
1. trying to brainwash
ourselves without dealing with core issues,
2. not taking action
3. not regaining control
4. ignoring the facts or
5. not taking responsibility.
Those 5 ingredients are the
mixture required for a lasting, positive outlook.
Some might argue that our
outlook relies on external events. In cases of tragedy, this is often
true. But in our day-to-day stresses and anxieties, I would disagree.
One of my favorite quotes has always been, "Two men look out the same
prison bars, one sees mud, the other sees stars." In this example, the
external is the same--but the focus of the two men is different. Here
is another example from my life. We had a big ice storm when I lived in
Wisconsin. I was excited because I love snow and winter weather. My
friend was bummed because she hates driving on ice. The external was
the same, the outlook that we shared was different. We control our
outlook.
Your Turn:
Where in your life have you been pushing to have a good attitude,
without taking into account "the facts?" Which of these 5 areas could
you improve on today?
1. Not brainwashing yourself
into a positive attitude by ignoring core issues
2. Taking action
3. Regaining control
4. Facing the facts or
5. Taking responsibility. What
is a step you can take in the next hour in one of those areas?
Your Affirmation:
I am actively regaining control of every area of
my life.
