A New Attitude! Finding Inspiration for Change

When browsing through the business section of your favorite bookseller, there are countless resources on personal development and maintaining a positive attitude, and "The Difference Maker" penned by Dr. John C. Maxwell should be at the top of your “Wish List.”

This self-coaching and counseling guide is packed with wisdom from a reliable confidant on how you can make your attitude your greatest asset.

I once read “Our attitude determines our altitude.” We’ve all heard it or have said it before, “He has a bad attitude” or “She has a great attitude!”

Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor once said: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Maxwell details on how our attitude is developed. He shares insight on how to transform your attitude.

The title of the book can also ask a question 'What is the difference maker between these two men/women/students?' Or 'what is the difference-maker between two effective and qualified educators who are teaching the same grade and subject, with equal years of experience and are vying for the same position?'

One of the few responses would be: Attitude.

As an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Dr. Maxwell has sold more than 12 million books. He speaks to executives at Fortune 500 companies, government officials, and to a variety of organizations, including the National Football League.

What exactly is an attitude?  Simply put, your attitude is your disposition (posture) in the way you process life and your response to issues. In The Difference Maker, Dr. Maxwell notes that our attitudes are shaped in eight different ways. Three of them are:

1.             Our Personality

2.             Our Environment

3.             Our Associations

Growing up with six brothers, I wasn’t always welcomed to play checkers or shoot hoops in the backyard, and naturally as a young child, I got an attitude! When I finished crying and was counseled and consoled by my mother, I played with things I knew best, dolls, playing in make-up and board games!

Now, here’s your mission if you choose to accept it: For the next two weeks, ask your best friend, parent, mentor or therapist 'how do they perceive your attitude, and what areas can you improve?' Brace yourself and then listen for the response.

Our attitude is vital to our personal and professional success. Authors have written books about it. Poems are recited about having a good one.

In fact, it’s so important that Grammy Award winner Patti LaBelle recorded the song, New Attitude [Now, join me in singing with your best imitation  of Patti LaBelle—and sing it loud!]

I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes

Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do

I tidied up my point of view

I got a new attitude!

Until then…consider an attitude adjustment!

Secure your copy of The Difference Maker at:

www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com