"Facts do not cease to exist just because
they are ignored."
Aldous Huxley
Good
morning!
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 Days (or 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 here 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.
