As we transition from October into November, the year is winding down, but growth and reflection are ever-present. One of my daily rituals that helps me stay centered is pulling a quote from my “365 Gathered Truths” box, which is a collection of inspiring and insightful quotes—one for each day of the year
It’s a little nudge from the universe each morning, reminding me to be mindful.
This morning, I pulled out a particularly impactful quote from Charles Swindoll:
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.
It will make or break a company…a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.
And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.”
The Power of Attitude
How often have you faced a hurdle that seemed insurmountable? According to Swindoll, it’s not the obstacle that defines us, but our attitude toward it. Imagine what you could accomplish if you chose to view challenges not as stop signs but as stepping stones.
“Attitude… is more important than facts”
Facts might set the stage, but your attitude fills it with life. A positive attitude can even transform facts that seem challenging into stepping stones toward your goals.
“More important than…education, money, circumstances. More important than…failure, than successes.”
Swindoll encourages us to rise above our external conditions, reminding us that our inner state is something we can control.
Our peaks and valleys don’t define us; rather, it’s the way we approach them that shapes our lives. With the right attitude, success and failure both become gateways to deeper learning and growth.
The Gift of Choice
“We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day”
Here’s the truly empowering part: each new day offers you a fresh chance to choose your attitude, the perspective through which you’ll see your life unfold.
The 10/90 Rule
You’ve probably heard it said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Swindoll agrees. Your reactions, influenced by your chosen attitude, shape your experiences.
“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.”
Your chosen attitude shapes your experiences and can make all the difference.
So, what does all this mean for us? Think of your attitude as both your compass and your anchor. It will guide you when you’re lost and hold you steady when things get rough. Every day presents a new chance to choose an empowering, constructive attitude.
Attitude Checklist
1. Morning Check-in: As you wake, take a moment to acknowledge your initial thoughts about the day. Accept them for what they are.
2. Set Your Intention: Before you begin your daily activities, decide the attitude you’d like to adopt.
3. Helpful Reminders: Scatter small notes in your environment to remind you of the attitude you want to maintain.
4. Midday Reflection: Pause in the middle of the day to gauge your alignment with your morning intention. If you find you’ve veered off course, simply realign.
5. Nightly Review: At day’s end, think back on how your chosen attitude influenced your experiences. What lessons can you carry into tomorrow?
So, my dear friends, as you step into your day, remember that your attitude is a treasure that only you can control.
Keep reaching for what you truly deserve. Not because you have everything figured out, but because your attitude lifts you in the direction you wish to go.
As we move into the cozy embrace of November, let’s consider the profound power of our own attitudes and how they can shape the month ahead.
Choose wisely, and let that choice illuminate your world.
Wishing you light and promise in the choice that each new day brings.
Kalika Yap
CEO, Citrus Studios
