Choices And Attitudes - Part Two: Attitudes Writen by Steven Kay, Talk Show Host & Producer 713-STEVEN-K (713-783-8365) / me@StevenKayLive.com In “Part One: Choices” we discussed the decisions we make and how they determine what paths in life we take. Of course, choosing our path wisely and making the right choices are only half the story. The other part is the attitudes we carry with us and how we react to our circumstances throughout life. Our attitudes will have a direct affect on our lives and the outcome of our efforts towards our goals. My friend, Vince Panella, author of The 26-Hour Day, used to best illustrate this point with an example of two people riding a roller coaster. One person loves the ride, and has always enjoyed them. They go up and down and through the loops, the whole time with their hands raised up and laughing and having a great time. Doctors say when you experience feelings like this (feelings of euphoria), the body actually produces chemicals that strengthen the immune system which helps fight off disease. The other person hates roller coasters. They get anxious before even going on the ride, they get nauseous as they go through the turns and curves, and they hold on to the safety bar as tight as they can. When they get off they feel light headed and dizzy, and do not enjoy the experience at all. Doctors say when you experiences feelings similar to these (feelings of stress), the body will produce chemicals that are harmful and weaken the immune system or even cause disease. Now the circumstances for both of these people are exactly the same. In fact, the circumstances are completely neutral as to who is involved. The roller coaster is the same no matter what, whether these two individuals are on it or not. The circumstances do not care, they just are… they simply exist. It is the attitude of each person that creates both the perception of the experience as well as its outcome. It is the way we look at our environment and circumstances that changes our lives, for the better or for the worse. I read another great story about a ten year old boy named Jaye Milley who plays soccer. He loves the speed and the fun and the friends, and he dreams of being a professional someday. At first glance, this sounds completely ordinary. Jaye has determination, courage, and a great attitude; which far outweighs the fact that he is missing his hands and feet. Jaye Milley learned this lesson at such an early age, that if he really wants to accomplish something in life there will always be a way for him to do so as long as he doesn’t let any circumstance get in his way. Imagine the possibilities if we all had this attitude, and kept it with us consistently no matter what we are facing in life. Imagine what obstacles you could overcome, the goals you could achieve, the dreams you could accomplish! I think Charles Swindoll said it best, “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude is more important than facts, than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what other people think or say or do. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” In “Part One: Choices” we discussed the decisions we make and how they determine what paths in life we take. We have a choice to make when it comes to our attitudes towards life and the challenges we face. We are all in charge of our attitudes, and between the choices we make and the attitudes we take we can truly determine our success. About Steven Kay: Steven Kay is an up-and-coming talk show host and producer. The “Life Business and Money” talk radio program is continually growing in popularity among business owners, executives, and sales professionals. It airs on CNN 650AM Radio News in Houston, TX and is available online at StevenKayLive.com. Steven Kay Media is an independent advertising agency that specializes in talk radio advertising sales and promotions, as well as producing and hosting talk shows, which has produced several radio programs as well as developing several new projects soon to hit the air waves. You may contact Steven directly at 713-278-9109 or info@StevenKay.biz, or visit www.StevenKay.biz. Please send your opinions and comments to me@StevenKayLive.com and/or call 713-STEVEN-K (713-783-8365) today at 3p-4p to have discussed on the air!