by Jeffrey B. Allen

Created on: September 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 24, 2009

Attitude can mean many things. It can be the way a thing is placed or arranged. Or it can mean the way we hold or carry our body. Attitude can be a frame of mind affecting our thoughts or behavior, or it can be the general cast of mind with regard to something.

The very complexities of the word, and the challenges inherent in its diversity, stand for a commitment toward preparation, achievement, and leadership. Yet the interpretation of attitude has as much to do with how we handle success as well as how we respond disappointment, failure, or tragedy.

Future hardships are inevitable, but it is attitude that consistently drives a person to sacrifice and press onward. That same characteristic inspires us to be unique in our approach to life's challenges; to seek opportunities, and to be confident and undaunted by the setting of high goals that, when achieved, offer the reward of distinction and deep personal satisfaction.

The competent use of attitude, whether subtle, aggressive, complimentary, or philanthropic, remains one of the most important skills we must master in order to find strength in adversity. Monetary reward is secondary to the lasting impression we will have over others as we show, through example, how the power of a positive attitude, once permanently implanted into the face of hopelessness and self doubt, will inevitably triumph.

Charles Swindoll once said, "Ten percent of life is what happens to me, and ninety percent is how I react to it."

When life deals us a blow, we are faced with a choice. We can blame our situation on someone, and then spend our time plotting revenge, or we can blame an unforeseen circumstance and make it an excuse to wallow in. We may choose acceptance and let it diminish our self confidence, thus we become defeatist. Or, we can immediately take control of the hardship by placing the responsibility squarely on our shoulders and bringing to bear a positive attitude. We aim it right at the awful thing that has happened to us. Surprisingly, what may very well have seemed insurmountable now becomes a vital part of who we are, and, more importantly, it transforms into inspiration. We arise in the morning with our sword raised; the trumpeter sounding the charge.

Success is failure turned inside out;

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;

And you never can tell how close you are;

It may be near when it seems afar.

So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.

There is no known author to the above poem, but it may serve as an inspiration when the darkest hour descends upon us.

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