Focus Your Attitude

A long week of car troubles repeatedly and minor issues occurring. Certainly a good test of ones ability to stay positive. There are weeks like this and I for one am not immune from them. It is these things that put my belief in the power of being positive, of having a great attitude to test.

It can be frustrating when these things occur and there are multiple things that come into play. How do you deal with it then? A couple basic things to know;

1. Accept it since life happens, release it so you can move on.
2. Accept it with a cheerful heart since anything else will keep you from moving on.
3. Accept it for yourself, do not place it upon others; seek advice, but do not unload your problems upon others.
4. Accept it as a problem, but see the answer.

The last item comes from Fergus McIntyre in which he speaks about life giving you so much more. So many people see and focus on their problems. Dwelling day in and day out on the pain or issue that confronts them. It is an okay thing to recognize and understand the problem. But it is when we focus only on the problem that we get left behind in finding the answer.

In my particular case, I took time to recognize and be irritated by the issues occurring. Then I turned my focus to solutions, to working on a plan to sort out what was happening. In essence, I turned my focus to the anwers. Looking ahead two and three steps on what can be done to redirect the course of events.

This isn't instantaneous change in most cases, but directing your focus to the end results, by 'seeing' the answer, will remove you from stagnation. It will move you past the problem and towards resolution. By staying within the problem, you are bound and restricted by the weight of the issue. Your attitude will become mired in the despair and you won't be able to think clearly.

By refocusing on the answers, you take control of the situation and free yourself to move forward. You free yourself to release the problem and concentrate on finding solutions and then acting upon those solutions. Your mind and heart will feel a lifting sensation of the burden. Your attitude will improve which will make you more approachable. You will see others more willing to come to your assistance. Things will get better.

“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” - Denis Waitley