This post was originally published on 6th February 2017

Yes! Attitude is everything.

My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter loves bedtime stories. “Mumma, read a story, please”, this is her favorite line before going to sleep. It has almost become a bedtime ritual. Yesterday, I read a story of a Monk and his vows. Even though my daughter didn’t understand anything, I learned a secret. Secret for success – Attitude is everything! The story goes like this-

Just Two Words

There was once a monastery that followed a strict vow of silence, no one was allowed to speak at all. Monks were only permitted to speak two words, every ten years. After spending first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk.  “What are the two words you would like to speak?”, asked the head monk. “Bed…hard”, said the monk. “I See…”, replied the head monk.

Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk. “It has been ten years, what are the two words you would like to speak?”, he asked. “Food…stinks”, said the monk. “I see…”, said the head monk.

Another ten years passed and the monk once again met with the head monk. “What are your two words?”, asked the head monk. “I…quit!”, said the monk.

“Well, I can see why,” replied the head monk. “All you ever do is complain.”

It took thirty years for this monk to quit something that wasn’t working for him.  For thirty years, he only focused on the things he didn’t like. His negative attitude towards his situation and fear of what change might bring, took him so long to realize that this monastery and vow of silence was not for him. It is our attitude towards life, situation and relation that determines whether we can be successful or not. Hence, I consider it to be THE SECRET OF SUCCESS. Here are 10 quotes from people who understood that secret of success lies in your attitude.

1- “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude”- Oprah Winfrey

2- “The difference between can and cannot is only three letters. Three letters that can change your life’s direction.”- Remez Sasson

3-“Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.”- Maurice Setter

4- “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill

5- “Character is the result of two things: mental attitude and the way we spend our time.”- Elberd Hubbard

6- “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”- Charles R. Swindoll

7- “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself; I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I am going to be happy in it.”- Groucho Marx

8- “Whatever the mind of man can convince and believe, it can achieve”- Napoleon Hill

9- “Attitude is the most important decision you will make today.” Paul Dughi

10- “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself”- Mark A. Cooper

You must be wondering why I didn’t insert any image of the quote in the last quote. Because it doesn’t require one. It requires only one thing – Action!

How To Make These Secrets Work For You

Embracing a positive attitude is only the beginning; applying this newfound perspective into actionable steps is where the magic happens. Begin by setting aside time each day to reflect on your mindset. Are you viewing challenges as setbacks or as opportunities? Adjust accordingly. Keep these inspiring quotes nearby, perhaps on post-it notes or as reminders on your phone. And surround yourself with like-minded individuals who also understand the power of attitude.

Once you’ve incorporated some of these secrets to success into your life, start researching things that you’ve always wondered about. For instance, you’ve been contemplating the idea of expanding your family, and the thought of providing a loving home through foster care piques your interest. Then research and understand what is foster care, its intricacies, challenges, and rewards. As the last quote emphasizes, life doesn’t come with a remote. So, take charge, act on your curiosities, and let your positive attitude guide you through the journey of life.

Have a wonderful and motivated week ahead!

Do let me know your favorite quote from above. Call him whatever you want to call but Muhammad Ali is THE GREATEST HUMANS of the 20th century. Read his famous quotes, here.

Lots of love!

xoxo