By Ricinda Perry

In closely observing people who have had success, including my recently turned-four year old (she can out-negotiate her parents any day and twice on Sunday … and we are both attorneys), I have seen a close correlation between one’s attitude and their level of success.

As an attorney, we are trained to look at circumstances, evaluate the facts and formulate a response that generates a positive outcome for our client.  As a parent, that training is provided free of charge.  A critical component in this analysis is attitude.  To me, it can be more important than the circumstances or facts of the case.  It can have significant or even more influence over the outcome than the one’s past, their training and education, their money or status.  Attitude can be a springboard to success or a ride to failure.

When you think of one’s attitude … it can affect their appearance, inhibit or bolster one’s talents or skillset and impact those around them. Attitudes can make or break a company, a relationship, a family and definitely my diet and exercise routine.

I cannot readily or rapidly change my looks, my education or my past.  I can do a 180 on my attitude at any moment.  Remarkably, you have a choice every minute of every day regarding your attitude and how it will influence your choices and actions throughout the day.

Failures are inevitable.  Difficult hands are dealt to us.  We cannot change that, nor can we change our past.  We cannot change the way people we work with or live with will act, but we have a great tool … the Swiss Army Knife of Life … ATTITUDE.  You’ve heard the saying, “Make lemonade out of lemons.”  Life is going to hand you lemons … You can’t change that, but I have absolute control over my reaction and attitude.

4-Year Old Definition:

A – Always Right
T – Temper Tantrums can be an effective tool
T – Take everything to the limit
I –  “I,” Need I say more?
T – Try, Try & Try Again (except vegetables)
U – Undaunted
D – Daring
E – Effervescent in every way.

Middle-aged working mom’s definition:

A – Apathetic
T – Trying and Tiring
T – Tackling it … sometimes literally.
I – Impatient
T – Tempted to believe the grass is greener on the other side.
U – Useless
D – Defeated
E – Exhausted

Look at my idea of the ATTITUDE found in our loving, sweet, and tender-hearted toddlers.  Compare why their attitude may be more successful than the ATTITUDE of us wearisome parents.

Give this a try instead … and see if you don’t start making some more lemonade.

A – Awesome!  You are awesome because God made you just perfect and has a plan for your life.
T – Tested, but can conquer anything.
T – Tenacious – You are the hub of your family’s support system.
I – Irreplaceable – You are one of a kind and are special to all who know and work with you.
T – Tactful – A critical component of success at work and negotiating with your spouse and child.  After all, how else can you convince those tiny eyes looking at you with great pride that her selection of a crazy summer outfit complete with princess high-heels and a crown won’t work for her to go to church on this chilly morning?
U – Undaunted, because you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).
D – Devoted
E – Extraordinary – Only you could pull off your day!

Copyright © 2014, Foundation Restoration.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No reproduction allowed without written permission from Foundation Restoration and/or the author.