“Attitude is Everything!” Ever hear that phrase before? You’ve probably heard it a lot because it happens to be true. One of the great things about attitude is that you can choose it. No matter what the external circumstances are, you can choose how you feel.
John Amatt, an internationally renowned professional mountaineer and motivational speaker said: “Adventure isn’t hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life – facing new challenges, seizing new opportunities, testing our resources against the unknown and in the process, discovering our own unique potential.”
Obstacles, frustrations, road blocks and detours are going to happen in life. How you handle them is a choice. When you choose an attitude of adventure, you will find that solving life’s problems can be interesting and an opportunity for personal growth.
Plus, the attitude you choose will be a major key in determining how successfully you face and surmount those inevitable challenges. One great first step is to decide that any difficult situation you are facing is an opportunity. Choose an attitude of adventure and look for creative solutions.
There are several things you can do to create this type of attitude for yourself. One of the first steps is to focus on the positive aspects in your life. When you take time to acknowledge and give gratitude for the good things that happen in and around your life (and the lives of those you care about) your day will seem brighter. And, that makes it easier for an attitude of gratitude to become a healthy habit for you.
Another thing you can do is to praise yourself for your abilities and accomplishments. Spend some time in review each day. Make note of the things that you did well. Praising yourself is a healthy habit. Plus, praise is a great habit to share with others around you. Make it a point to praise people during each day. You will be amazed at the positive difference this will make in your attitude.
No matter how carefully you plan your projects, sometimes things just do not go according to your plan. That can have quite an effect on your attitude. According to Murphy’s Law, things are going to go “wrong” for us – usually when we least expect it and at the worst possible moment. Who is this mysterious Murphy anyway, what credentials does he carry and why should we believe him?
What would happen if you chose to look at that change of plans as an opportunity for a new adventure? How would your life change if you chose to take Mr. Murphy’s unexpected or difficult situations and used them to learn new skills? Wow! Just think of the positive difference this could make in your life.
John Amatt used the words: “adventure, seizing new opportunities, testing our resources, discovering unique potential.” When you use this kind of language, you empower yourself. You give yourself the advantage of an adventure attitude!
Webster’s dictionary defines “adventure” as a “bold undertaking or enterprise” and “to dare, to venture.” As you venture out each day, you will likely find yourself facing new challenges. We suggest you choose to be bold. View them as new opportunities to develop even greater potential.
Rather than complain when facing a new challenge, what if you make a decision to view it as an opportunity to test your resources? Take a moment and think about an obstacle facing you today. Note how you are feeling about it. Now, put an ‘Adventure Advantage’ spin on your attitude about that same problem.
Anthony Robbins suggests that when you are faced with a challenge, you ask yourself what it good about it. This is a great idea. It’s guaranteed that if you look for something good – you will find it. So, what is good about this obstacle you are facing today?
Ask yourself how you can take your challenging situation and be creative with it. What can you do to make this fun? How can you use this as an adventure and turn it into your personal advantage? Now, after answering these questions, how are you feeling about your obstacle? See if you can feel a positive difference in your attitude.
To help you adjust your attitude, here are three positive affirmations you can practice with:
- I have an opportunity
for a new enterprise to enjoy today! - I can venture forth and be bold and creative
with this as a new undertaking! - With this situation, I can test my new skills
and maybe even discover something new
and exciting about myself that I can build upon!
Remember, as Coach Lombardi taught his football players, perfect practice makes perfect. You can practice this process on any challenge you face. Each time you do, it gives you another opportunity to increase the advantages of your “Adventure Attitude.”
Keep your eyes on the prize. Adjust your attitude into one of adventure and, with practice, you will quickly be “facing your challenges, identifying new opportunities, and in the process, discovering your own unique potential.”
Maya Angelou said “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Asking questions like those above on a regular basis will give you the foundation for changing your attitude. Attitude IS a choice, so you might as well choose an attitude of adventure and advantage!
Hope this quick review can be of some help to you. Have fun with this process. Be creative. Be bold and choose an attitude of advantage. Look forward to building a life full of adventures to enjoy. You, too, can combine attitude with adventure and bring every good and positive advantage you desire into your world!
About the Author:
John (“Dealey”) Carpenter Dealey, International MasterMind expert, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and self-made millionaire, is dedicated to helping people reach goals and achieve their dreams. Visit his website at: http://www.mastermindsoaring.com/
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