Intentionally Choosing Your Attitude

You aren’t always in control of what happens to you, but you are always in control of how you react to it.

It is easy to have a great attitude when things go your way. But when things are going poorly, intentionally choosing your attitude can be a difference maker.

Growing up, baseball was my sport of choice. I was the first baseman for my high school team. I was not an all-star, but I played out of love for the game. I spent three years on the junior varsity team working hard so that I could play on the varsity team my senior year. When senior year rolled around, I knew I was ready for the new level of play. But to my dismay, an athletic sophomore on our team could outplay me; I spent most of my varsity career on the bench.

During that season, I had two choices: 1. I could rightfully be upset and filled with anger while sitting on the sidelines, or 2. I could choose my attitude and make a difference on the team. I chose option two. Since I couldn’t support the team on the field, I chose to support them in the dugout. I always congratulated them in the highs and helped them through the lows. I made a point to shake my coach’s hand at the end of every game- whether I played or not.

When you intentionally choose your attitude, others will notice. Your attitude affects others. Where I could have been known as just another lukewarm player, I was known as a difference maker. Intentionally choosing my attitude enabled me to encourage others, and to stay positive in a negative situation. Your attitude can actively attract or detract from your relationships. What would you rather do?

Choosing your attitude is easier said than done, but it is worth the effort. Below are three ways that will help you choose your attitude:

1. Keep life’s highs and lows in perspective
2. Surround yourself with people who build you up when the world is tearing you down
3. Look at life’s difficulties as opportunities for growth

Make the intentional decision to choose your attitude, don’t let life’s circumstances choose it for you.

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Michael Cizek works for Zoom as a Business Development Representative. In his free time, you can find him biking with friends or driving his beloved 1986 Toyota 4Runner. Michael lives in Denver, CO.  Feel free to contact him at [email protected].