I came across this nice little story this week and it made me think about the importance of our attitude. Our attitude determines how far we go in our lives. We can change our attitude with techniques and practice. We can become more positive and see the world as a better place. Every negative situation we face, I believe, contains the seed of something positive.
If you find this positive seed you will feel better. I had a very serious car accident last year which could have resulted in my death. Fortunately for me, the car which hit me from behind at 70 mph as I was stationary in roadworks on the outside lane of a dual carriageway, was smaller than mine – that is why I am still here.
In shock and in pain
As I sat in shock with the smoke coming out of the airbags and in agonising pain, I wondered what was positive in this situation. I remember thinking I teach this stuff I had better find something positive. I could just about reach my mobile phone and I managed to film the firemen cutting the door off my car with the Jaws of Life.
Then as I was in the ambulance with the sirens blaring and strapped in head to foot, I managed to film selfie video to capture that scene. As I was rushed to hospital I remember thinking this will make some good footage for my next keynote talk – and it has!!
The whole world came together
The young mother was ready for a few minutes of relaxation after a long and demanding day. However, her young daughter had other plans for her mother’s time.
“Read me a story, Mom,” the little girl requested. “Give Mommy a few minutes to relax and unwind. Then I’ll be happy to read you a story,” pleaded the mother.
The little girl was insistent that Mommy read to her now. With a stroke of genius, the mother tore off the back page of the magazine she was reading. It contained a full-page picture of the world.
This should keep her quiet
As she tore it into several pieces, Mom asked her daughter to put the picture together and then she would read her a story. Surely this would buy her considerable relaxing moments.
A short time later, the little girl announced the completion of her puzzle project.
To her astonishment, she found the world picture completely assembled. When she asked her daughter how she managed to do it so quickly, the little girl explained that on the reverse side of the page was the picture of a little girl. “You see, Mommy, when I got the little girl together, the whole world came together.”
It is our responsibility
Each of us has the responsibility to put our world together. It starts by getting ourselves put together. We can become better parents, friends, spouses, employees, and employers. The first step is changing our attitude.
Thoughts for the week:
1. How do you respond to negative situations?
2. You can choose how you respond to 95% of everything you experience.
3. You can either respond negatively or positively
4. Next time you are faced with a negative situation try to find the seed of something positive.
5. It takes practice but once you start to find positive things you feel better.
Well that’s it for another week, have a great weekend and stay positive.
Warm regards
John
Off the Wall – How to Develop World Class Mental Resilience available here
https://www.jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/ (Special offer. Put in code 10POUND when prompted to receive a signed copy for £10 including postage and packing – UK only)