Focus: A positive attitude

Some time ago, I was watching Joyce Meyer who shares ideas for all who want to live a better life. She will have special books she writes and sometimes has a special guest who has written a special book that can make a difference in our lives. On this day, she had John Maxwell who talked about his book, “Thinking For A Change.”

The title could mean that we never think and maybe we should think before we act for a change. The book is about changing our attitudes by spending more time in thought. We need to focus our thinking in positive ways so we can excel in many ways we live our lives. John Maxwell went on to say that negative minds have negative lives and that we try to go everywhere, know everyone and we try to do everything. He suggested that we list 10 of the most important things in our lives. If we take care of only two items on our list, our lives can change, and we can be more successful. Mr. Maxwell went on to say that our thoughts determine who we are. People who go to the top are good positive thinkers. We can change our way of thinking.

Have you ever listened to a person who is always negative and never thinks positive? Do you have a friend who always seems negative and leaves you feeling negative too? A good example of negative thinking and positive thinking is as follows: Two individuals are seated at a table drinking coffee. The two cups are half full or half empty depending on the individual you are talking to.

The first individual says he or she has a half empty cup of coffee and the weather forecast for the day calls for 50 percent chance of rain. The second individual says he or she has a half full cup of coffee, and the weather forecast calls for a 50 percent change for sunshine.

Which person is right? Either person could be right, but wouldn’t you rather listen to the person who has a positive outlook for the day? The two individuals share the same information. However, one is a positive thinker and the other is a negative thinker.

How many times during our lives are we afraid to do something new because we think we cannot accomplish the task? How many times do we live our lives in a similar pattern each day? Does this mean we do not think? Does this mean that we are afraid to make a change in our routine?

There are some folks who accept their lives as non-productive and are never willing to see how rewarding life can be if they try something new. Life is worth living and one might be surprised what a difference they can make in their life and the lives of others. God wants us to live our lives and He gives us many talents to accomplish special things. What is your special talent and how can you share it? Many accomplishments come with a positive attitude.

I read an article that lists 50 ways to live until the age of 100. Can you imagine living to 100 with a clear mind and the wealth of information that you have accumulated through the years? I would guess that those reaching 100 would be positive thinkers, be productive, eat wisely, exercise, have a strong faith and find goals for each day that they live.

This is the goal that each one of us should have. The length of our lives is the goal that just might make it possible to live a longer and more productive life. When you make a decision, make a list of reasons for your decision to work. Don’t forget to ask God which decision would be best. Can your decision give you peace and a positive attitude? One person with a positive attitude, courage and vision can make a huge difference in the lives of others.

I leave you this thought for today: My attitude will lead me through the paths of life. Will my attitude give me peace, make me successful and fill me with joy or will my attitude lead me on the path of self-doubt making me less than my purpose in life to do great things?