Many of us know something about the life of Thomas Edison. I am fairly certain he still has more patents than anyone in the history of the United States. A famous quote attributed to Thomas Edison is, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”. We can read this quote and gain a few keys to success and a significant life. The main focus I want to explore today is attitude.
“Ninety-nine percent perspiration”, means that the focus of our attitude has to stay positive while we work hard. This is not a declaration that the only thing we need is a positive attitude. I can sit on my couch all day long and say that I am positive that I will get fit someday. This is not the kind of positive attitude that gets things done. It is imperative that a positive attitude be accompanied by the perspiration. This helps drive the learning and growing process. When you realize that each time you make a mistake, fail to accomplish a task, or fall short of a goal; you have been given a learning experience. This is when you are going to grow, gain understanding, and realize what part worked along with which did not.
Consider the following thoughts around your attitude:
Your attitude is your choice. If you have not already done so, consider reading Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning. Viktor lived in one of the German death camps during World War 2. In this book, he shares that experience and helps us understand how we are responsible for our own attitude.
Your attitude determines your action. Just like the experiments and successes of Thomas Edison, if your attitude is positive and you are willing to learn from the things which did not work, then growth, significance, and progress is part of your future.
Your people are a mirror of your attitude. Look of the overall attitude of those you lead and those with whom you spend time. If you are like me, then you will see a similar attitude and perspective among your circle of friends and your children. If you are in a leadership role, your attitude will usually be contagious for those in your care.
Maintaining a good attitude is easier than regaining one. When we fall into self-pity it is a dangerous path for the health of our attitude and our physical bodies. Self-pity distorts your view on reality, leads us to jump to unfavorable conclusions, and drains energy.
How much are you listening to yourself rather than telling yourself about your attitude? I know that I can talk myself out of a workout, if I just listen to myself. However, if I am talking to myself and focusing on supporting and enhancing a positive attitude I can ensure that my workout is one that drives me harder than before.
There are many decisions to make every day. Chief among your decisions needs to be your attitude. Are you going to find ways to stay positive, or let yourself go down the path of negativity? The choice is yours, and the results will influence all other decisions.