There are two types of attitudes people support. The 1st says, “I’m waiting until I feel like taking action before I do something.” The 2nd says, “I’m taking action so that I feel like doing it!” One waits while the other wins.
Unless you realize your attitude about life is a choice rather than a result of your genetics or childhood, you will not believe it is a decision. Instead, you’ll tell yourself, “These are the facts, and you’re delusional if you think it’s anything else.”
On December 8, 1903, an article published in the New York Times read, “A man-carrying airplane will eventually be built, but only if mathematicians and engineers work steadily for the next 10 million years.”
On December 18, 1903, only ten days later, an article appeared in the Dayton Herald newspaper stating, “Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully operate a flying machine in North Carolina.”
What many firmly suggest is a fact often is only an opinion spoken with conviction. Attitude strongly influences one’s point of view. The word attitude means “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something that’s typically reflected in their behavior.
Said another way, your attitude directly influences the way you behave. My question for you is, “What kind of attitude are you supporting?” The first attitude where you’re sitting on the sidelines of life waiting for something to happen? Or are you on the field making moves and creating your opportunities?”
One way to tell is by paying attention to the types of words you use to describe situations you experience. I’ve found the following five words tend to sabotage one’s results and emotional fulfillment. When you remove them from your vocabulary, the outcomes are surprisingly pleasant, especially to those skeptical that it would make a difference.
- Don’t: This word moves you towards whatever follows it. If you tell yourself, “Don’t eat those cookies,” all your mind hears is “eat the cookies,” which is precisely what you end up doing. Instead of saying, “Don’t be late,” start using phrases that specifically state what you want to occur. “Be on time.” For the cookie reference, you might say, “Eat a sour pickle.” Now your mind knows WHAT to do. (Did you know sour foods eliminate sugar cravings?)
- Try – Yoda once said, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Try means giving something a half-hearted effort and if it’s too inconvenient, quit. Decide you will or will not follow through on an action or behavior. Either choice is okay as long as you’re no longer implying that something outside you is responsible for not following through on your commitments.
- Can’t – This word implies that a human being with a brain and body that’s been improving its ability to survive for 500,000 years is suddenly unable to resist a diet coke, for example. Instead of thinking, “I can’t,” begin saying, “How can I?” Finding a workable solution starts with asking a better question.
- Busy – This word is employed when we do not set boundaries, allow other people’s agendas to take the lead, or when we have not prioritized high-value activities. In leadership scenarios, it’s used as an excuse to neglect the feelings of others. “I’m too busy to listen to their complaining” or “I’m too busy to deal with their feelings today.” Instead, use the expression in demand. “I’ve got a lot going on today because I’m in demand!” Or, “I’m never too in demand to support a colleague.”
- Impossible – On December 8, 1903, many believed the idea of an airplane was impossible. So was running a 4-minute mile and putting a man on the moon. Today we are talking about building colonies on Mars. Think that’s impossible? Not for human beings. In my book, One Belief Away, co-author Joe Vitale said, “Nothing is impossible.” Someone once challenged him by stating, “Males can’t have babies. It’s impossible.” It turns out male seahorses can give birth. In the words of Robert Ripley, “Believe it or not.” Instead of believing something you want is impossible, pause and create space for possibility. IMPOSSIBLE or IM POSSIBLE.
You can remove mental blocks by upgrading the words used to describe your experience. I’ve watched thousands of people accomplish what they swore was impossible, whether it was saving a marriage, transforming their health, or increasing their financial fortune. You can do, have, and be whoever you want. All that’s needed is confirmation from you that it’s true. Words matter, so choose them wisely and remember. You are only one belief away from attaining your big breakthrough.