Changes in attitude, changes in latitude

There once was a Sioux warrior who found an eagle's egg high on a mountain. Not knowing what kind of egg it was, he carried the egg down and placed it with a nest of prairie chickens.

The eaglet hatched with the brood of prairie chicks and grew up with them. All his life, the eagle thought he was a prairie chicken. He scratched in the dirt for seeds and insects to eat. And he flew no more than a few feet off the ground.

One day, he saw a young eagle flying high above in the sky. He asked one of his prairie chicken brothers, "What a beautiful bird! I wonder what it is?"

"That's an eagle, the king of birds," clucked his companion. "But don't get any ideas. You can never be like him."

So the young eagle never gave it another thought and died close to the ground, thinking he was a prairie chicken.

Attitude is everything, and October is Positive Attitude Month.

Does success or failure have anything to do with mental attitude? The answer is a resounding "yes." It may not be your fault for being down, but it is certainly your fault for not getting up. Remember, your attitude determines your altitude.

Researchers believe people who embrace a positive outlook have less stress, an increased sense of well-being, better coping skills, greater success and longer life spans. Do whatever you must, but always look on the bright side.

Here's another story to illustrate my point: Two young women decided to quit their jobs at a community hospital. They were tired of dealing with ungrateful, complaining patients, backbiting co-workers and an apathetic administration. Before they quit, they decided to try an experiment: They vowed to go out of their way to help and be polite to everyone they encountered.

No matter how someone looked at them, talked to them or treated them, they overwhelmed people with encouragement, courtesy and appreciation. Before long, an amazing transformation took place. Patients didn't seem so miserable, staff even smiled at each other and the administration seemed surprisingly interested in their affairs.

The two women experienced a basic law of nature: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The very situations that caused frustration were reflections of their own attitudes.

Let's explore why attitude is crucial in both personal and professional contexts. A positive attitude helps individuals handle stress and adversity more effectively. It fosters resilience, enabling people to bounce back from setbacks and challenges.

Attitude influences how we interact with others. A positive, open attitude can enhance relationships, making people more approachable and fostering trust and cooperation.

Maintaining a positive attitude contributes to better mental health. It can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and promote overall well-being.

On the professional side, a positive attitude can significantly impact the workplace atmosphere. It encourages collaboration, boosts morale and can lead to increased productivity.

Employers often value employees with a positive attitude, as they tend to be more motivated, adaptable and willing to take on challenges. This can lead to more opportunities for career growth.

A constructive attitude helps in approaching problems with a solution-oriented mindset. It encourages creativity and innovation, which are valuable in any professional setting.

What is the best way to cultivate a positive attitude?

Self-Awareness — Recognize and understand your emotions and reactions. This awareness can help you manage your attitude effectively.

Gratitude Practice — Regularly reflecting on what you are grateful for can shift your mindset from negative to positive.

Surround Yourself with Positivity — Engage with people who uplift and inspire you. Positive influences can reinforce your own positive attitude.

Continuous Learning — Embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles.

Winners are positive and believe in themselves. They are committed and don't easily give up. They take charge of their own attitude. Don't let it take charge of you.

Mackay's Moral: Your attitude is what makes the difference between a good and a great life.

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Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing [email protected] or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.