I believe that a positive attitude is crucial, not only for success, but to enjoy the process as well. A positive attitude can extend to belief in oneself and the people around you. While it is important to have confidence in your own abilities, expecting others to get the job done and excel in their own endeavors is equally important.
A positive attitude is not limited to trusting in my own abilities or the abilities of others to get something done. It is also means embracing the challenges before me as opportunities and chances to get things done that I otherwise would not have attempted or accomplished. By approaching a new task with a positive attitude, the process itself becomes more pleasant. To be sure, there are times when there is hard work to be done and these times may call for digging down deep within to find a way to face the drudgery with a smile or a spirit that accepts and focuses on the task at hand. The attitude does not have to be bubbly or overly optimistic. Resolute and confident will get much more accomplished than bubbly or optimistic. Once a goal or job is undertaken, once the hand is at the plow, it is no longer time to look back or complain about work before us. An interesting thing about attitudes, whether positive or negative is that they are contagious; however, only one will help yourself and others to finish what is before them.
Faith in others is often more difficult than faith in ourselves, yet it is equally necessary when working to achieve a goal- building a house or teaching math. Absolutely everyone is capable of a great deal when properly motivated both from within and without. When a struggling student or an unmotivated employee comprehends that you really believe they can do what you are asking them to do (even if it is tough to actually believe), this can greatly affect the way they view themselves and you.
I believe that everyone is capable of much more than they are willing to admit; however, when you embrace a positive attitude, whether or not you can do something does not enter your mind. Setting yourself at a task and not fearing the difficulties ahead will lead you to more than you dared hope to do.
Sam, I like your notion of having faith in others. I am a perfectionist and feel like I have to do everything myself. However, it is important to recognize that others can and should be trusted to play their part. What a valuable lesson for your classroom. I look forward to seeing how your semester goes.
ReplyDeleteDr. M