Your attitude shapes your life

light-bulb-550CFBrett Crosson believes it is our attitude to life which determines how much we get out of it.

"The altitude you reach in life is not determined by your aptitude, but by your attitude" -  Zig Ziglar (an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker). In other words, having the right attitude is a key ingredient for the enjoyment of life, for achievement and for success.

 
For instance, we can either spend hours complaining about what we don't have, or spend time celebrating what we do have. Continually complaining robs us of seeing the beauty in life, where nothing and no one is ever good enough. But focussing on what we do have develops an ‘attitude of gratitude’, helping us to value what we have and appreciating the little things loved ones do for us. It also gives us the inner strength to ‘be calm and carry on’. This inevitably makes us happier people, and helps us to deal with difficulties more efficiently.
 
When life throws troubles your way, you can either get bitter or get better. Most people who have achieved great things in life have personal histories full of horror stories. They have faced troubles, but have triumphed. They have experienced betrayal but have learnt to let go of the pain. Instead of seeking revenge, they have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. Having this great attitude invites success into your life, and is a partner to the next super attitude to have - one of perseverance.
 
We can either give up at the first signs of failure or we can persevere until we achieve our goals. Thomas Edison, when asked how he felt after ‘failing’ so many times (before inventing the light bulb) allegedly said: "I have not failed... I have successfully found 10 000 ways that will not work". The attitude behind such a statement is remarkable, and is the number one key to achievement in life.
 
We can either focus on the temporal or invest in the eternal. The temporal things around us, by definition, will pass away. Spending all your time amassing material wealth is thus a foolish endeavour. When we die we take nothing with us. The only thing that will be of eternal value is the quality relationships we've invested in. And the greatest of these relationships is with our Creator. To know Him, Jesus said, is life eternal. It is salvation for your soul. The treasures of life cannot hold you for eternity.

For what will it profit a man, Jesus asks, if he gains this whole world but loses his soul?



This article has previously appeared on Network Yarmouth and has been published in the Yarmouth Mercury

Brett Crosson is Senior Pastor at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Great Yarmouth.
Visit: http://transforminglivesm.wixsite.com/emmanuelchurch/home

 
 


 
 

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