Have you ever wondered what separates successful people from mediocre people?
Sure, there’s a difference in skills, and resources. But those aren’t that important. What really makes the difference is attitude.
Thomas Edison wasn’t any smarter than other scientists of his time. But he had a different attitude. Most would have given up after a few dozen failed attempts at making a light bulb, maybe a few hundred at the most. But Edison, when interviewed by a newspaper reporter after 800 unsuccessful attempts at making a light bulb about “what it feels like to have failed 800 times” answered…
“I haven’t failed 800 times. I haven’t failed once. What I have done, is I have succeeded in proving that those 800 ways won’t work. Once I eliminate all the ways that won’t work, I will find the one way that will.”
And sure enough, several years later, after thousands more “successful proofs” he managed to find a way that works, and thus illuminated the world.
Talk about the difference his attitude made!
The One Life-Transforming Attitude
Speaking of attitudes, I recently assimilated a new attitude. And it already made such a huge difference in my life, I just had to share it with you! Are you ready?
Whenever you learn something new, immediately ask yourself: “How can I apply this as soon as possible?”
A few weeks back, I was reading some old posts at one of my favorite self-improvement blogs – Scott H. Young.
And I noticed I was reading them differently.
In the past, I would read the posts, and think “Hmm, neat ideas!” But now, I read the posts, and think “Hmm, neat ideas! How can I apply them as soon as possible?”
So when I read the post where Scott describes how he reads for an hour every morning, I decided to try it. I had a big backlog of awesome books I wanted to read anyway!
And I am SO glad I decided to apply Scott’s advice! I already got through some absolutely fantastic books, like The Way of the Superior Man and The Big Five for Life. It would probably have taken me months, or even years to get through them if I didn’t simply ask myself while reading Scott’s blog: “How can I apply this as soon as possible?”
The very next morning I had my first hour-long reading session. And I’ve only missed one morning since that day.
…
In fact, my whole course on overcoming procrastination is built around this attitude.
Yes, it contains 7 major topics of personal growth, and 7 great ways to deal with procrastination. But the golden thread that runs through the whole series is helping you apply everything you learn IMMEDIATELY! That’s why I included action steps at the end of each day so you can immediately apply the lessons.
I really recommend you check out the course. Hey, it’s free!
How This Attitude Can Transform Your Life
So what will this attitude do for you?
Well, first the obvious. You will do more and learn more 
.
But also, your life will become more fun! Because instead of reading about all the cool ideas, you will be doing them. You will be living them!
Applying this attitude is as if you were reading a great fiction book… and then suddenly found out there’s a way you can become a part of the story. Instead of reading about the great exciting adventures, you can start living them yourself!
And all it takes is the one simple attitude: “How can I apply this as soon as possible?”
How You Can Apply This As Soon As Possible
You know what’s coming. A way to apply what you just learned as soon as possible 
.
Here’s my suggestion:
- Think of something cool you learned over the past 24 hours (With the amount of information we all consume, there must be something.)
- Ask yourself: how can you apply it today? (Or, if you’re reading this in the evening, apply it first thing tomorrow.)
- Write it down so you don’t forget
- Do it!
And that’s all, folks. Onwards to lasting personal growth! Yarrrr!
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Odd and Ends:
This Saturday, I’ve got another audio interview coming up! It will be the last one for a while, so I interviewed a very special blogger for you. Stay tuned!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Fabulous post, as usual. Learning how to shift my attitude is probably the most important skill I have ever learned. Trying hard to teach that skill to my kids, but that’s tougher. My son is in his tween years, and could really use some help coping with other angsty tweenies. Got a post in the queue on developing compassion for kids?
Gabrielle’s last blog post..Bluebird of Happiness
@Gabrielle:
. It should only take about… um… another 20-30 years.
I don’t have much experience with bringing up tweens. Tell you what, once I have a tween kid myself, and get some experience dealing with them, I’m going to write about that
So, check back in 20 years
On a more serious note, I will be writing about some related topics soon. For example, one thing I’ve been looking a lot into recently is marketing. Once you look at it, you realize it happens all the time, all around you, but most people aren’t aware of it.
Trying to convince your kid to clean their room or do their homework? That’s marketing. A professor excitedly explaining something to the class? That’s marketing. Pretty much any time you try help someone improve their life, marketing comes into it. That’s not to say you should become obsessed about marketing and think about nothing else… but there are some very interesting principles there that can really help you in dealing with other people.
So, the short answer to your question is… kinda
That marketing I can do. I practice the “walk-softly, carry-a-big-stick” method of parenting, and my kids behave amazingly well.
What I can’t seem seem to sell is the “don’t worry, be happy” stuff. My son is a worry wart. Compassionate, sensitive and empathetic, with all the baggage that goes with it. How does one market self-confidence and a stronger backbone/thicker skin?
Twenty years, huh? I’ll hold you to that
Gabrielle’s last blog post..Coleridge and Depression