Attitude ~ The Magic Word

Earl Nightingale

Back in the 1980s I became a big fan of the writings and recordings of Earl Nightingale. I listened to his "The Strangest Secret" countless times. It was his philosophy, combined with the call of God, that enabled me to contine to work toward the accomplishments of my academic goals regardless of how frustrating it could be at times. In that recording Nightingale said, "We become what we think about most of the time." Hmmmm, sounds like, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." In fact most of the principles within Nightingale's teachings have biblical roots.

Somewhere around 1990 I purchased Nightingale's cassette album entitled "Lead the Field." I still own it and have since copied the recordings to .mp3s. I still listen to these insightful words of wisdom on a regular basis.

The first recording is called, The Magic Word, The magic word is attitude. Nightingale defined attitude this way:

“The position or bearing as indicating action, feeling, or mood.” And it is our actions—feelings—or moods—which determine the actions, feelings, or moods of others toward us, and which control, to a surprising extent, our success or failure."

In the remainder of this post I want to summarize some of Nightingale's suggestions for using a positive attitude in order to enjoy the best of life.

Attitude ~ Reach Out to People

Being an outgoing person is almost magical when it comes to attracting the things you want in life. People rarely come to us (although it does happen) with an opportunity or an idea they think we are a good fit for. People tend to reach out to those who have first reached out to them.

Nightingale shared a story of a retired couple who moved to the retirement community of their dreams. But after a couple of months they were packing to return home. They were offended that no one in the community came and welcomed them or invited them to any of the community events. This couple was expecting people to come to them. And yes, they probably should have. But the reality is that people usually leave each to his own. If the couple had gotten out of their condo and went and introduced themselves to others and shown interest in others then they would have made friends rather quickly. 

The Principle: Reach out to people and stop expecting them to reach out to you. More good things will happen for you. Jesus was always going to where the people were. 

Attitude ~ Be Grateful

Nightingale stressed that we should wake up every day with an attitide of being grateful. He noted that we should be grateful to live in this great country that is filled with opportunity to do and be whatever we desire to do and be. We should be thankful for family, friends, and colleagues AND we should tell them regularly just how thankful we are for them.

Rather than looking around at all that is not so good in our lives we should look at all that is good. We should count our blessings each and every day. As God's Word stresses, "This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." And also, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

I need to work on this one. I tend to fall into that tired old rut of thinking about the things that are not as I prefer them to be. I get frustrated with myself when I do. But then I just say to myself this one magic word, "Attitude." When I do the things and people I am grateful for begin to come to mind instantly. 

The Principle: Be grateful. Period!

Attitude ~ Be Expectant

Nightingale also said that he begins each day with an expectancy that the day was going to be a good one. He believed that only good things were going to happen each and every day. How many people wake up every day expecting the worst? How many expect a Murphy's Law kind of a day? How many expect to be stressed at work? How many expect the difficulties? How many expect the not-so-good? Too many to be sure.

In my life I have met countless happy and successful people. I am sure that you have as well. What I have learned about them (and Nightingale reinforced this truth) is that they expect to be happy and successful. They love their work and the people that God has brought into their lives. They reach out to people. They are humble and thankful. They expect good things and manifold blessings in their lives. 

Nightingale challenged his listeners to conduct a 30-day test. He said taking this test would absolutely change your life. He's right. Here's the test:

For the next 30 days ...

1. Treat every person you meet or encounter as the most important person in the world.

2. Wake up each day with a grateful heart and make sure you tell the people in your life how grateful you are for them.

3. Wake up each day expecting that the day will be a good one. 

I trust these thoughts have been a blessing to you.

Tony Guthrie

Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.

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The Things That Really Matter

Kara Guthrie at Georgia Southern University
Orientation Day ~ April 2, 2016

Yesterday I visted Georgia Southern University with my daughter, Kara. It was orientation day. She is soooooo excited about starting her collegiate career in the next few months. Her smile was beaming ALL day. Every site, every building, and every encounter with faculty and staff tended to energize her joy. For me the simple joy of experiencing her excitement was enough to keep a beaming smile on my face all day as well.

As we were enjoying the day together I was reflecting about life and the joy it can easily bring IF we focus on the things that really matter. Too often we focus on life's burdens and issues. While these things should get some of our attention they really should be kept in perspective.

What does matter? Well, orientation days for your kids and things like it matter. I could provide a list of the many things that should really matter but, honestly, you probably already know them. So, instead of reminding you of the obvious I wanted to share a few thoughts about enjoying these things that really matter.

Look Backwards to Learn

Kara Guthrie, Varsity Cheerleader - Archer High School

As Kara and I were talking yesterday I reminded her several times that her past has prepared her for this new and exciting time in her life. She had a great high school experience. I told her that now it is time to build on it.

When I look back over my life I see sooooo much. I have forgotten a lot (intentionally) and I have remembered a lot. I have enjoyed many successes and accomplishments. I have had my moments of praise and accolades. I also have made many mistakes, poor decisions, and taken actions that were unavoidable but painful. 

But the past is just that, the past. It matters in that it reminds us of past joys, successes, troubles, and pains. Each of these apsects of the past have something to teach us. We can learn from the victories and defeats. We can become better people IF WE DO NOT LIVE IN THE PAST but rather, learn from it. Too many people can't let the past go. Something painful happened and they never let it out of their minds. OR they enjoyed success and accomplishment that has now diminished and they always think about that "better" time of their life. Tragically for too many people the past defines and dictates their present. 

The past can be a painful reminder OR it can be foundation to build on. There really is only one obvious choice, isn't there?

Look At the Present to Enjoy

Time flies by. Literally. I woke up today realizing that in 4 days I will be 55 years old. What happened? It seems that it was only a few years ago that I was in high school myself. Now retirement lurks before me in just a few years.

Kara asking questions of a GSU
Faculty Member

I have some good years left if God allows me to live on. So NOW is what matters. I was watching Kara enjoy the day. She exemplifies the principle of "living in the moment." She was not aware that she was teaching her daddy something he tends to forget. NOW MATTERS. Why, because time flies and everything changes. Enjoy NOW. Look at the blessings of NOW. What is good about your life? Who has God allowed to be such a wonderful part of your life? I know that these 4 years will fly by for Kara. It will seem like a flash and she will be walking across the stage to receive her Bachelor's diploma from the university she chose. Wow!

Enjoy every present moment as much as possible. Why not? What have you got to lose by doing so? Nothing! But you will gain EVERYTHING that matters. 

Look Forward to Hope and Dream

I know that Kara Elise Guthrie has a bright future. She is so full of hope and she dreams of her future successes. As long as she maintains such a view of life nothing will stand in her way. Yesterday I thought to myself, "Yes, I am 55 years old. But I have the breath of life still in me. I have more to do and so much to share and give. Past failures, mistakes, victories and successes are things to build on." My future is as bright as I want it to be. So is Kara's. So is yours. 

Kara and I had a great day. It was filled with joy, hope, laughter, and expectancy. Is there any reason everyday can't be like that  kind of yesterday? I think not. I think it is a matter of where we focus. 

Nuff said? 

Press on!

Tony Guthrie (PROUD daddy of Kara Elise Guthrie)

PS: I also have a wonderful son. Daniel Guthrie brings me joy as well. I love watching him become the great young man he is destined to become.