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The Difference Maker

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The Difference Maker

Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset

Thomas Nelson,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Sure, you’re talented and smart. But you need the right attitude to be successful and happy.

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Editorial Rating

6

Recommendation

The great attitude platitude is that once you adjust the way you look at things, you’re on your way to success and riches. Motivational writer John C. Maxwell agrees that attitude is an essential component of success, but he says that by itself it won’t help you reach your goals. You also need skills, talent and experience. However, Maxwell believes that all things being equal, your attitude can make the difference between achieving your objectives and falling short. While this short read provides a quick fix for maintaining a positive mindset, the material is more of a fast boost than a lasting bulwark. getAbstract recommends it to those who are looking for a positive shot in the arm.

Summary

Does Your Attitude Look Good on You?

Your internal attitude comes through even if you try to hide it. Nature and nurture influence your fundamental outlook on life. Your personality traits, how you were raised and any early childhood traumas all figure into the equation. Did your parents encourage you to be an optimist or teach you to view life pessimistically? Some parents expose their children to new experiences and actively encourage their growth; some don’t. Did you grow up in a stable environment? Did you develop close relationships with your peers?

As you grow older, you become able to exercise more control over your environment. Still, the predominant attitudes expressed by your friends, acquaintances and co-workers will rub off on you. Your thoughts directly influence your attitude, whether you’re thinking about your job, your spouse or your social life. Though you can’t control where you are born and to whom, you have more choices as you grow older and more opportunities to act wisely.

Encouraging words you hear along the way can resonate throughout your lifetime; unfortunately, so can harsh words. These messages often affect your view of yourself. If...

About the Author

John C. Maxwell has written more than 40 books on leadership. He is the founder of a leadership development service and Equip, a nonprofit leadership development group.

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