Is An Awesome Attitude Enough by Marshall W. Northcott

Anyone who has been in professional sales for any length of time has heard about the importance of a positive mental attitude.

When I was first exposed to the thinking behind the need for a positive mental attitude I found the concept to be extremely broad and somewhat vague. From my perspective the definitions and descriptions didn't do justice to the powerful concept or the importance of a positive mental attitude.

I understood that this was about a state of mind, a way of thinking about life, the world and the situations and circumstances that we face. Your perspective could be warped, dark, pesimistic, fearful or simply numb or you could decide to see things in a brighter, purer, more carefree, optimistic, friendly and healthy way.

There are no guarantees in life however, the odds are in your favour when your attitude or your thinking is right. When you focus on solutions rather than problems, when your thoughts are gratitude based rather than centered on what you lack, when you fill your mind with drive and purpose instead of woe and despair you are much more likely to draw in the good. You will set yourself up for success by drawing in the people, the resources, the finances and the circumstances that will make it possible for you to stack the deck in your favour.

At times life is peaceful and harmonious. Everything that we come in contact with personally and professionally seems to be effortless and the results that we achieve are better than we could imagine. During these time periods it's easy to smile inside and out. Having a positive outlook and an expectancy for the best outcomes is easy because you are living in a euphoric state.

So what about the down times? What about the times when life's circumstances are dark and difficult? How about those periods in life when you feel as though you are under attack, life is out of control and nothing goes as you expect? If you've experienced enough of life you have probably had times when you have hit a brick wall or two and you know exactly what I am talking about. During these periods it can be extremely difficult to consistently maintain a positive mental attitude and it doesn't guarantee you success or a gateway to freedom. However, it is the preverbial chicken and egg scenario because seldom will positive life outcomes result from a negative, depressive, sour and bitter frame of mind. If good things do happen, in all likelihood they will be short lived because your perspective will wear them and tear them down.

I have come to think of attitude in much more concrete terms since I began working with a high performance expert in the field of psychology.

Here's a few thoughts:

It has to do with mental facalties and resources. When you have a greater intellect and have developed your problem solving abilities it's much easier to overcome challeging times because you have better tools in your toolbox. This is something you can benefit from if you continue to learn and offer yourself new knowledge.

If you work on your social intelligence and make yourself more open to people and all that others can offer you you will find that the chip on your shoulder and the bitterness that you have towards people will become worn down and smoothed over. If you're not warm, friendly likeable person by nature you will find by working towards this you will attract interesting people and rewarding relationships into your life. This definitely makes a significant difference in attitude when you need it most.

When you are able to control your emotions, and remain consistent in your thoughts and attitude during both the best of times and the during the times when you are tested you will get better overall life results and bounce back quicker when pressed.

When you have the right mindset you have a healthier opion of yourself and of others also. You see the best and you have a stronger self image, a higher degree of confidence in yourself and your abilities. Your self awareness is high and it isn't critical of who you are, rather it is enlightened and supportive of who you are.

It's easier to stay connected, centered and balanced when you heart, body and spirit are aligned with a winning attitude and you are prevented from getting fussed over petty, trivial and insignificant matters. As a matter of fact what falls into these categories is well beyond what considered petty, trivial and insignificant for most of the general public.

You don't see problems, you see opportunities, you don't see mistakes you see learning and personal growth, you don't see setback and defeat, you see speed bumps and chances to overcome.

Your intensity, your personal drive and focus is at optimum levels when your attitude is in the most ideal state.

Most importantly of all a positive mental attitude provides you with the courage to take action on what you desire to attain or achieve. It gives you the strength to set out and begin taking steps and making strides towards the dreams and goals that you have because you feel good about the mental image of success in your mind and you are optimistic about your odds of arriving at your intended destination.

I could continue but I hope at this point you are beginning to get the picture. In summation I guess you could continue to debate whether or not an awesome attitude is enough however my personal experiences tell me that without it everything else is considerable difficult if not impossible. It may not be enough but it certainly is the foundation for all other positive possibilities in life.

Marshall W. Northcott

Your comments, questions, feedback and additional insights are appreciated! Please take a moment to add your thoughts and feelings in the comment section below and if you would like me to respond please include your contact information.