Attitude is everything for success

by Debra Pestrak

Observe any top performer and you’re sure to notice that he or she exudes an attitude of confidence and success. These leaders “look the part” and have the mindset that propels them forward. Have you ever noticed that they seem to stand out from the crowd? You can usually recognize them in any group.

They don’t let internal barriers get in their way and they keep their attitude positive even when things aren’t going well, when they’re overwhelmed, or when someone or something is blocking them. They have the same fears as anyone else they just know how to control how they think.

Unfortunately, attitude development is seldom taught in school, nor is it part of most on-the-job training sessions. In fact, when asked, most top performers reveal that developing a positive attitude is a personal undertaking that occurs throughout a person’s climb to the top. Keeping an attitude geared for success is a daily conscious effort that rewards you with long-term results, both personally and professionally.

The question then remains, “What constitutes a positive, success-minded attitude?” 20+ years of research into top performers, interviewing the top Fortune 500 executives, and the number one agents in real estate, gave the answers to that question. How you think and believe in yourself often matters more than skills alone.

Self-confidence is key

A major part of attitude development is having the confidence to take on any task, even if you don’t currently possess the specific skills to do the job or know everything about the task. Those with an attitude for success know they have the basic skills to do any task, and they have a belief in themselves that they can learn the specifics of a particular job. While they may question themselves along the way, their core belief in themselves is always present and apparent to the outside world.

Because of this high level of self-confidence, top performers view each activity as an adventure, especially if the task is something they are unfamiliar with. When Anne Sweeney, President, Disney/ABC Cable Networks and President, Disney Channel, worked her way up from an assistant position to where she is now, her attitude always exemplified the fact that she was anxious to take on new responsibilities, even if it was something she had never done before. As she says, “It is important to always find the unknown exciting…You don’t have time to be fearful when you’re trying to figure things out.” Consistently employing this attitude ensured that her success was always within reach.

Control how you think

Very often people have been conditioned to think of themselves as less than successful and not worthy of the recognition. Successful people have had to overcome these internal barriers as well. Everyday, we decide if we are going to be in a good mood or bad mood. We decide in we are going to make a step further to our dreams or let others and things get in our way. We all have setbacks, but it’s how you handle, how you think about those things that will determine what you do with your future.

I recently had a conversation with a real estate broker about speaking with her agents. Her comment was that her agents were struggling, depressed, and didn’t have any money. Now that is when you need to adjust the way you’re thinking!!

Successful people recognize when they need an attitude adjustment. Some will just push through it, others take some quiet time, go for a walk or to a spa. They learn from their mistakes, let go of those feelings, and then get back in the saddle to get to where they want to go. Ultimately it’s up to you on how you want to think and believe in yourself.

Everyday, every moment you decide how you want to feel, think, and act. This is your own personal choice, not anyone else’s. When we let others control this, we are out of control. This is the one thing you have total control over in your life. It’s the only thing! What decisions and choices will you make from this moment forward? Will you choose to love life, grow and prosper, feel terrific about who you are and what you are capable of? The freedom to choose is yours. Choose to maintain the attitude that attracts success.

Be willing to persevere through tough times

Those with an attitude for success don’t let actions or comments from others affect their performance. They know what needs to be done in order to reach their goals and they persevere when others try to hold them back. Instead of letting others squash their attitude, dreams, and their chances for advancement, successful people tenaciously keep their energy high and work around any challenges they encounter. Having an attitude like this enables them to avoid defeat and mediocrity and to attain the goals and dreams.

Mary Farrell, Managing Director, Senior Investment Analyst and Member of the Policy Committee for PaineWebber, Inc. believes that tough times are necessary, and how you react to them is what determines your ultimate outcome.

As she explains, “There’s a misconception out there that if people are successful, they’ve had an easy way up the corporate ladder. But for me, success comes from overcoming defeats, from the fact that you made mistakes, or you didn’t get that promotion, or you didn’t get the recognition, and instead of getting upset about it or turning off, you worked even harder. I know people who have left the industry or left jobs because they didn’t feel they were recognized. I always viewed those situations as temporary setbacks. It just made me even more determined, and I would step up to the challenge. I viewed any setback or defeat as a challenge. That you picked yourself up after a defeat was the important thing.” Displaying an unstoppable attitude such as Farrell’s prevents any roadblock from deterring your success.

Be passionate about success

Reaching the top also involves being passionate about your work. It’s about knowing what excites you and which options are best for you. Both your words and actions must reflect that passion you feel. Only then can you take responsibility for your decisions and stand behind your beliefs.

Additionally, when you’re passionate about what you do, you can easily push forward and excel. Jean Hamilton, previous Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Institutional, explains, “If you don’t have personal passion about something, if you don’t feel confident about your ability to achieve, I don’t think your career is a good match. I don’t think you’ll be happy. It will simply be a day-to-day paycheck.” Hamilton goes on to describe how your inner passion ultimately leads your decisions. Without passion, she says, you won’t do what you know you must because you won’t feel it in your heart.

Keep an open mind to new ideas

Your ability to remain open to new ideas and having flexibility to switch directions is a key to success. If we stay stuck in a particular mindset, we don’t and aren’t looking for alternatives. I’ve been watching many real estate agents fail in this changing and competitive marketplace. Rather than looking for new ideas, ways that can help them stand out in the market, they are stuck doing things the same way they’ve always been doing them. This is an attitude for failure.

Is your attitude geared for success?

As you journey through life, realize that the actions you take show your feelings and beliefs and speak volumes of who you are. Fortunately, the attitude you display is dependent completely on you. When you choose to be self-confident, willing to persevere, passionate, and open-minded, you display an attitude for success that can’t be missed. The result will ultimately be excelled career growth and immense professional satisfaction.

A great quote on a success mindset: “If you know how to swim, it doesn’t matter how deep the water is.”