I once heard an influential leader say that fifty percent of success is attitude. So what’s the other half? Attitude! A leader must have a superior attitude. Positive attitudes are contagious, and negative ones are cancerous. Successful leaders are in the business of duplication, so we need to be careful with what we duplicate.
It’s our daily duty to exemplify positivity. Negativity can affect all of us, but as leaders, it’s our job to handle our own discouragement and dismay in private or with the counsel of a mentor/life coach/accountability partner. Leadership guru John Maxwell says it best.
“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.”
As I stated before, attitude is contagious. If those in leadership visibly waver, how does that impact their teams? I have witnessed, first-hand, entire organizations plummet as a result of toxic leadership. Negative emotions in a leader produce adverse reactions in the group.
People are magnetized by a leader with strength, confidence, certainty, and positivity. So how can those of us who desire to lead through strength guard our hearts and attitudes? Here are the three keys.
Feed Your Soul The Right Food
Have you recently found yourself overwhelmed by the barrage of negative news stories and Facebook/Twitter comments? In today’s COVID and election climate, mainstream news and social media have become a cesspool for negativity. If you have found yourself starved of positivity, start feeding yourself a daily dose of motivational material. Spend time in God’s word. Read books that encourage a positive attitude. Limit your media intake. If you consume a steady diet of news and social media, don’t be surprised if it affects your mood. The wrong “food” becomes toxic. With the right “food,” you can maintain a positive mindset.
Achieve a PROMISE Every Day.
Some people fall into the trap of negativity because they feel they are not making progress towards achieving their goals, dreams, and ambitions. If that describes you, then begin today by setting achievable daily PROMISES. Notice that I said “promises” and not “goals.” Billionaire Bill Bartmann used to teach his people to make promises to themselves, not goals. The reason for this is simple. Most people set goals but never achieve them. Instead, make DAILY promises that can’t be broken. It’s a mindset thing, but Bartmann lived by this principle. A pattern of positive achievement can help us develop a habit of positive thinking.
Write It Down
We all need daily reminders to help us keep our thinking right. It’s essential to keep positivity right in front of us. Bible verses and inspirational quotes can fuel us through the mire of daily living. Post them in places that you see every day: mirrors, windshield, your workspace. Save encouraging postcards, letters, and notes from friends and family. When times are tough, look back at those keepsakes and reflect on the positive impact you have made. Hang up the awards you have won. It’s important to be reminded of your accomplishments.
When we get hit by life’s uncertainties, and we all have, rather than moan, whine and complain, that’s the moment when we have to check our attitudes. Leaders have to grin and bear what comes next. This is the proverbial cross every leader must carry. If we can maintain a positive, healthy attitude even in the face of adversity, we are well on our way to the Abundant Life God has called us to live.
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Stay Positive!
Bill
