My Dad was a salesman. He could sell anything to anyone. But sales is a rough game. When times are good they are really good. But when times are bad, they are really bad. Dad constantly listened to motivational tapes (remember tapes?). One of his favorite motivational speakers was Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Dr. Peale had a gravely voice and an excellent understanding of how to use his powerful voice to convey a message. One of the things Dr. Peale preached was "Positive Mental Attitude" or what he abbreviated as "PMA". My Dad adopted this mindset, and constantly reminded me that my attitude dictated my altitude. That whatever I thought, that's what I would become.
Recently I was informed that my job was being eliminated and as I type this, I am jobless. It's scary. Sure, I have some money set back, but it won't last long and starting all over again is a tough pill to swallow. I have a kid in college. I have a wife. A house. Cars. You get the picture. But it's times like these when my mind turns back to when I was a kid hearing my Dad say "Keep your PMA up!". It's so easy to feel sorry for yourself. To feel like you're a failure. To feel like you're not wanted. To feel like a disappointment to your family. But wallowing in those feelings won't help you succeed. You have to imagine where you want to be, and start working to make that happen. To have the tenacity of a bulldog.
Everyone goes through struggles in life. That's a given. But it's how we face those struggles that builds our character. Some choose to blame others. Some choose to be bitter or jealous. Some ask "why me"?. But none of those actions produce results. You have to see every problem as an opportunity. You have to believe that you will come out ahead. I'm a spiritual person, so I believe in a higher power. I believe God has a plan for us. To someone who is atheist, this sounds preposterous. But to me it provides hope. I know that if I stay positive and look for the blessings during this down time in my life I will find them.
Regardless of what you're facing, keep up your positive mental attitude. Avoid negativity.
Don't Quit - Edward Albert Guest
when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit
rest if you must, but don't you quit.
