
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Lou Holtz
Attitude fitness is one of those elusive terms that is hard to define. We can describe its many faces without being able to pin down a clear definition.
Attitude makes the journey either a pleasant one or a chore. It makes us liked or one who is to be avoided. It is in fact best understood by using the word itself to help carry the message. Take the statement from Norman Vincent Peale, "Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are." In essence all that you do, all the events that come your way are better served by believing in your ability to accomplish a desired end.
I've come to the conclusion that a can do attitude is that spark inside you that first gets you off the launching pad and keeps you pressing forward despite the obstacles that stand in your way. My challenge for you this month is to take 30 days, renew the spark that got you launched and identify the path that will fan the flames of passion to help you get the most out of every day and everything you do.
One of my favorite role models for determination is Michael Jordan. Jordan had a fabulous career in NBA Basketball giving many of us a renewed enjoyment of the game. The grace and style with which he played the game during his NBA years earned him the distinction of being the greatest basketball player of all time. During his career he claimed to have missed 9,000 shots, lost 300 games and when given the opportunity 26 times to make the winning shot, he failed to score.
Michael's dunking ability, gliding from the free-throw line to the hoop, gave him the nickname Air Jordan or His Airness and during his playing career probably was the subject of more sportscast replays than any single player in history.
Michael Jordan is remembered for his accomplishments and passion for the game of basketball - not for the misses and failures of games lost. Jordan learned that kind of grace under pressure by making every day count because of the desire that began burning in him for the game of basketball.
What have you yet to accomplish? The choices you make everyday will either bring you closer to that goal or prevent you from achieving it. A can do attitude will be the spark to ignite the passion in you to overcome whatever obstacles may come your way.