“A person’s attitude does not naturally or easily stay positive.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda (p. 7). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is so true but it is so worth it. 

John says, “Like any discipline, your attitude will not take care of itself. That’s why it needs to be attended to daily. The stronger your natural inclination to be pessimistic or critical, the more attention your attitude will need. Begin each day with an attitude check. And watch for red flags signaling that your attitude might be in trouble.”

He goes on, “Find something positive in everything. Not long ago I came across a prayer that I thought was wonderful. It said, ‘Dear Lord, So far today, I am doing all right. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. However, I am going to get out of bed in a few minutes, and I will need a lot more help after that. Amen.”

That’s the truth, isn’t it?

John then says, “It may not always be easy, but if you try hard enough, you can find something good, even in the midst of difficult situations. In Laugh Again, my friend Chuck Swindoll explains that when Mother Teresa was asked the requirements for people assisting in her work with the destitute in Calcutta, she cited two things: the desire to work hard and a joyful attitude. If someone could be expected to be joyful among the dying and the poorest of the poor, then certainly we can do the same in our situation.”

He says, “Nothing helps a person to remain positive like having an ally. The world is filled with negative people; in fact, they often flock together. But positive people are everywhere, too. You’ll often find them soaring above the negative people—like eagles. When you do, seek them out. If you’re having a hard time, get close and ‘draft’ behind them the way racers do. If they’re having difficulty, you be the one to go out front and make things easier. Two positive people are much better at fighting off the blues than someone going it alone.”

It can be hard work keeping your attitude straight each day but it is so worth it.

You’ve found that true haven’t you?