Attitude of Gratitude

With Thanksgiving upon us tomorrow, I cannot help but reflect on the many blessings in my life! As I journey through life, my focus is usually on the future... what do I need to do to improve (fill in the blank), how do I get better at (fill in the blank), etc. In order to pursue our personal best however, we must occassionally look backwards and recognize what we are trying to improve upon. Never underestimate your potential for growth and never devalue the progress you have made.

When we think of the things we are grateful for, we automatically put ourselves in a positive state of mind. Whe we think positively and with optimism we are able to tap into our creativity, which will bring new ideas on how to improve and achieve a personal best.

So, let this Thanksgiving be an opportunity to grow by showing gratitude. As I progress through the next year, I am going to work on develop a consistent attitude of gratitude and can't wait to see the growth that results. Just remember that you don't have to be great to get started, but you have to start to become great!

Attitude Determines Altitude

Many times in life it is our attitude that determines the outcome. Henry Ford is quoted as having said, "If you think you can, or you think you can't... You are right!" 

When I was going through Chiropractic School I had an experience that I will share. I had finished my 2nd year and was getting ready to enter my clininical internship which would run for the next 2 years.  We found out that my wife, who had been working while I was in school, was pregnant with our first child.  With all the excitement that comes with the prospects of becoming a father, I was a little nervous because I knew that when the baby was born, my wife would be home taking care her.  That meant no income!  Sensing my responsibility to provide for the family I was concerned with the timing... I still had at least 2 years before I could begin my Chiropractic practice.

It was the beginning of Summer Quarter and I had about 7 or 8 months to work with.  I took a look at the clinical requirements that were needed and decided that I would complete the 2 years worth of work before baby was born.  I didn't know how I would accomplish the task.  Not being from the Bay Area, I didn't have any patients lined up.  There were plenty of things that could have put doubt in my mind or derailed my plans, but I simply went to work and began to care for my patients one at a time.  Before I knew it I had surpassed my goal and subsequently was able to spend more time being a Dad allowing my wife to continue working on a part-time basis until I graduated!

When I saw this movie, Facing the Giants, it reminded me of the fact that sometimes to achieve our greatness, we need to just put on blinders and go for it!  The "never quit" attitude will carry us far. Enjoy the clip below and remember to check your attitude in your pursuit of your personal best. And for the record, You can count me in too!