This past weekend, I was able to spend a few glorious days in the highlands of North Carolina – the area around Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock and Boone. The address of the Airbnb I used is a small town called Seven Devils. While the entire weekend was a wonderful getaway with beautiful weather, one thing really jumped out at me as I was driving into and out of the quaint little town of Seven Devils.
As you entered Seven Devils, you were greeted on the highway by a sign which read Welcome to Seven Devils – Discover our Positive Attitude. Likewise, upon departing the town, you were left with a sign reading Hope You Enjoyed our Positive Attitude! These slogans got me to thinking about Attitude and our outlook on life, jobs, careers, family, etc. This rings true in everything we do – with the right attitude, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. And with the right attitude, I have always felt my life is much easier. Stay positive, think of the best and don’t get bogged down in the what ifs, why me, and life isn’t fair routine. Sure, we all have disappointments in our life, things we wish were different, but I have learned to shrug those off, worry about the things I can control and strive to be better each day.
Years ago, I attended a conference and had the pleasure of hearing Keith D. Harrell, motivational speaker and author of Attitude is Everything: A Tune-Up to Enhance Your Life.
I was able to pick up a copy of his book, and I fondly remember waiting in line for his signature and to thank him for his words. As I read the book, there were so many inspirational thoughts and wisdom he shared… some were his words, others were attributed to known authors, and some were spoken or written by unknowns. I’d like to share some of my favorite parts of his book:
- The loudest voice we hear is our own.
- When the race has started, there is no sense in looking back.
- It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.
- Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
- The only thing you can change is yourself, but sometimes that changes everything.
- The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everybody else up.
- My attitude…Is My Life.
Sure, there are plenty of self-help books out there related to attitude, but this has always been one of my favorites. I encourage you to grab a copy of your own. I’ve kept my copy for about 20 years and find it helpful to pull it off the shelf on occasion. It can sometimes help give me an attitude adjustment! Stay positive my friends, and be sure to understand how your attitude affects your everyday life at work and at home.
