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Words Can Be Magic

"Every day, we put in place plans and ideas that will determine the shape and substance of our tomorrows." Consider for a moment the power of that simple statement.

It was 60 years ago when Earl Nightingale wrote and produced what has become known as The Strangest Secret. An audio recording that sold over a million copies, making it the first spoken-word recording to achieve Gold Record status.

The premise of that powerful message was simply this, “We become what we think about.” A truth that had been handed down through generations crafted in many different languages. The bible states it this way, “As you sow, so also shall you reap.”

Or this one, “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” - Robert Louis Stevenson

Face the facts; we all want excellent results from life, in our home, our work, and in all our interactions with other people. Be it financial, intangible, or both. Earl said it best, “The most important single factor that guarantees good results, day in, day out, all the months and years of our lives, is a healthy attitude!”

Attitude is defined as, “the position or bearing as indicating action, feeling, or mood.” And it is our actions, feelings, or moods that determine the actions, feelings, or moods of others.

Attitude is the magic word.

Have you ever caught yourself sharing the misery of your “difficult staff” with other associates on break, or before and after work?

If so take the following challenge:

The next time you begin to talk about a colleague with anyone else make it something constructive and positive. Try it. It’s not easy. (I’ve found that most people only feel good about themselves when they find someone more miserable than they are. That’s absurd!) Then as you walk away from the conversation smile, pat yourself on the back, and think about how good it feels to build up others instead of tearing them down. I’m convinced when you treat people exactly like you expect to see them you get the results you expect.

Zig Ziglar called this, “A check-up from the neck-up.” An attitude adjustment.

It’s like mining for diamonds. Miners move over 23 tons of dirt to find a single gem diamond – but they don’t go into the mine looking for dirt — they go in looking for the gems!

Earl Nightingale simplified it so well; “Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.” 

Interesting. This says to me that the attitude and expectations of my friends and associates is simply a reflection of me!

Yes, I am responsible. Believe it or not it all begins with that magic word Attitude.

"Attitudes are not the result off success, success is the result of great attitudes." - Earl Nightingale

So start today, create a new habit of treating people exactly like you expect to see them - with love, respect, and dignity, and look for the gem in other people.

Congratulations. When you look for those essential qualities in others — surprise, you will find them and nurture them in you!

Updated January 17, 2019

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