‘It’s not what happens to you that matters, it’s how you respond to what happens to you that makes the difference’ – Zig Ziglar.
Many fail to realize that we create our reality by the thoughts and beliefs we maintain about life in general; therefore, what we believe in our inside is what we see outside. How we think about something is ultimately how we will feel about it; so if you want to control your attitude, you must be aware of the way you think about your situation. Even though we may not be in control of external events around us, our reaction to those situations is within our control. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to keep our heart with all diligence, for out of it proceed the issues of life. Have you ever wondered what you think about through out the day? Pay attention to your daily thoughts and thinking patterns; what your mind has more focus on is what produces your dominant thoughts. Our life moves in the direction of our most dominant thoughts.
It’s easy to practice positive attitude when everything is working out as expected but a bit difficult to exercise our will power for positive attitude in crisis and terrible circumstances. However, it’s also these times that reveal who we really are. Our circumstances do not define us. One of the characteristics of strong men and women is that they recognize that temporary disappointments and defeats are inevitable, and they accept them as a normal part of life. They do everything possible to avoid problems; but when problems come, strong people respond with a positive attitude, they learn from them, and keep moving forward in the direction of their dreams. We must never allow a situation to drag us to a pity party. This might foster hopelessness and kill motivation for achieving greatness.
Positive and negative thinking are contagious. We affect, and are affected by the people we meet, in one way or another. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level, through words, thoughts and feelings, and through body language. Is it any wonder that we want to be around positive people, and prefer to avoid negative ones? People are more disposed to help us, if we are positive, and they dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity. Negative thoughts, words and attitude, create negative and unhappy feelings, moods and behavior. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negativity. This is the way to failure, frustration and disappointment.
Engage the power of positive words to stimulate faith in you. Words must be confessed with a direction – targeting your goal that has already been aligned with God’s purpose for your life. This produces strength and courage to face whatever challenges that come our way. We must take deliberate steps not to allow issues confronting us to affect our level of productivity at home and at work. With a positive attitude we experience pleasant and happy feelings which bring about good will, happiness and success. Even our health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall, our voice is more powerful, and our body language shows the way we feel.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.