Is your attitude showing?
This topic is covered in depth as Success Factor #5 in Beyond the Numbers: 5 Key Success Factors that Impact an Entrepreneur’s Success.
Henry Ford’s maxim, “if you think you can or can’t, you’re right” continues to remind us of the importance of attitude. Bookstores, libraries, and online retailers are replete with books on positive thinking and self-help. The demand for positive input is constant for two very distinct reasons. One, the need to counteract the onslaught of negativity and vitriol in the media and on the internet. The national and local news may fit in a 30 second “feel good” story, but only after 30 minutes bombarding us with every unpleasant event or negative social media posting of the day. Two, because attitude impacts pretty much everything in our lives, positively or negatively.
Everyone encounters life’s annoyances and challenges. Some we own personally through relationships, jobs, or health issues. We need constant reminders along the lines of “it’s not what happens to you that matters, it’s what you do with what happens to you.” Other negative intrusions, like the nightly news or political attacks, are not our personal burdens, but can empty some of our “half-full glass.” The good news? Attitude is self-imposed. We have the capacity to determine how we react to everything that comes our way.
Even the medical community weighs in on the topic, identifying four “happiness chemicals:” endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin. In one of his Youtube videos, Simon Sinek weaves the effects of these chemicals into leadership and relationship behavior. It’s an excellent look at how these physical components impact attitude. Endorphins, for example, produce a “runner’s high”. Dopamine is what makes you feel good when you accomplish a goal. [chemical discussion starts at about the five minute mark of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReRcHdeUG9Y]
Attitude is not just a simple matter of the glass half-full. There are multiple layers to this topic. Are you open-minded, willing to learn, and generally toting a positive outlook? Do you look for solutions and opportunities when fate deals you a bad hand? To put it in a broader life perspective, our beliefs and values determine attitude and attitude dictates behavior. How we act (behave) then produces the results we get. One example: we value (believe in) hard work; our attitude is always “give it your all.” We work diligently (behavior) and achieve positive results.
Incidentally, don’t mistake a positive attitude for some Pollyanna facade. You can’t fake this level of resolve. You can’t fool your mind into thinking you can do something when your self-talking subconscious is boiling over with doubt. Likewise, when you’re physically under the weather and asked, “how are you?” you can’t just feel better by calling on the “fake it until you make it” philosophy. Try this response instead: “better than I was yesterday, but not as good as I’ll be tomorrow.”
We all have some bad moments and difficult challenges. Entrepreneurs, by the nature of their career choices, have more than their share of attitude provocations. When things aren’t going so well, can you forego artificial stimulation and easily summon positive self-talk, written words of encouragement, or the input of supportive allies?
Regardless of the degree to which we believe attitude affects outcome, most of us connect actions with what we interpret as the way someone thinks (their attitude). You have probably, on multiple occasions, uttered the phrase “he/she has a bad attitude,” referring to someone who is complaining or exhibiting other negative characteristics. Conversely, “I like his/her attitude” is a complimentary phrase most of us have expressed to acknowledge positive actions.
So, the answer to the headline “Is your attitude showing?” – yes, it is! It’s reflected in your actions. Remember Henry Ford’s words. You can’t escape negative influences – people, news, TV, social media. You can, however, choose what to do with what you hear and see. Remember, attitude is self-imposed. It’s a choice. Choose a good one.
Next blog we’ll revisit entrepreneur personalities and take a look at sole proprietor and family partnership roles. See you next time.
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