Attitude Is Everything

Jamie posted a picture on Facebook today of captain Jack Sparrow. It said, "the problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." Obviously this cannot really be attributed to Johnny Depp playing a role in a movie. He spoke a line a writer wrote. But the quote is definitely worthy of reflection. I think it holds true.
I have seen it so many times. I've been guilty of it on WAY more than one occasion. I'm sure that you, who are reading this, have committed the foul before. Attitude is everything. Attitude is everything. I had to write it twice. This one idea is the single most powerful idea that can shape who you are, how others view you and how much of an impact you can potentially make in another person's life. People don't typically want to associate with someone who is always negative. Don't misunderstand. There are times when it is appropriate to be down, negative, or irritated. But whatever it is, it's not the end of life, existence, humanity. Step back. It's a problem that can be dealt with and overcome. Doom is NOT nigh. The sooner you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, the sooner you will handle the issue and move past it.
I observe people. I watch closely how people react. Without getting too New Agey here, I get a general feel for people based on how they react to problems. I'm not saying that I can read your aura. It is simply observation. And I may or may not be good at it. All I'm saying is I, like most people, consciously or unconsciously, make a judgement of someone's character based on human interaction. Then, subconsciously, we make a decision on whether or not that person would be someone we want to regularly interact with. Constant negativity is exhausting to deal with. It drains us of positivity. And whether we realize it or not, we tend to push those people away. Now. Here's the hard part. Look in the mirror. Not literally! But just look at yourself and analyze your general attitude. Be honest with yourself. But don't make the call as yourself. The trick here is this: how do other people view your attitude? We all believe ourselves validated. Validated to hate, or be frustrated. Validated to be in a bad mood. Validated to be negative. We have good reason for it--in our own minds. After all, who the hell knows what I've been through today? I spilled hot coffee all over myself right before an important meeting, got a flat tire and accidentally bounced a check. What do people know of my problems? Fuck them if they don't understand why I flew off the handle for something seemingly simple! They don't know what kind of day I've already had! Validate your negative energy. It's what we do. We all have problems. But how do people typically view your attitude? That's the question and the answer is an eye opener. So, as "unholy" as it is to judge, lest WE be judged, let's face it. We should all have law degrees for as much as we judge others. It's human nature. Lets move past it. Everyone forms an opinion about everyone and everything.
Attitude is everything. There. I wrote it three times. I have gotten promoted in my professional life several times, not because I am insanely good at everything I do, but probably more often than not, because of my positive attitude. I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm far from it. But its the attitude, the "I can handle anything you throw at me" attitude that wins the day. And here's the secret: it is noticed because most people don't have it. You want me to what?? Work a 16 hour shift and no break? Are you fucking craz----? Stop. Sure, I'll do it. Man, don't worry. I got this.
"I gotta be honest, Bill, I was expecting a little pushback. I was nervous about asking you to do this on such short notice." No problem boss. I'm your guy. The impression, now, is that I'm the go-to guy. Bill is good. He doesn't hesitate to do what we ask when we ask it. All because I didn't complain. I just handled it and with a positive attitude. Is being a "yes man" a bad thing? I guess it is if you don't exercise your opinion when you are asked for it. If you disagree, disagree. It's possible to disagree with a positive attitude.
This is a long dissertation on a simple quote, but dammit, attitude is everything! There is no can't (now I sound like Yoda--I'm leaving out the, "there is only do, or do not) or won't, unless it violates your ethical code. Everything else is manageable. Everything else is doable. Be that guy. Be that girl. The one that people know they can go to because you are positive and reliable. Trust me, it is a breath of fresh air in a room stale with negativity, in a sea of, "I can't because...."
Make it happen. Just do it. Nike has cornered the market on this phrase. Push your stupid pride out of the way and just do it.
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." --Captain Jack Sparrow
Thanks, Jamie!