Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude -By Erin M. Rhines

Your attitude determines your altitude." Reverend Jackson set the world ablaze with that one. This is actually true for those who believe in the concept, but for too long, too many have been left disconnected and feeling like, "It sounds great, but what does it mean, and how can I make this knowledge work for me?"


Simply put, it goes like this (and in this order as a cycle): beliefs, thoughts, actions, results, beliefs, thoughts, actions… get it?

"Your attitude determines your altitude." Reverend Jackson set the world ablaze with that one. This is actually true for those who believe in the concept, but for too long, too many have been left disconnected and feeling like, "It sounds great, but what does it mean, and how can I make this knowledge work for me?"

Simply put, it goes like this (and in this order as a cycle): beliefs, thoughts, actions, results, beliefs, thoughts, actions… get it?

Let's have a look at your beliefs. Where does a belief system begin? Plenty of people build their belief systems around those of others and in doing so surrender the power to create their own lives. In surrendering the power to create your life, you forget that you are in control here. It is, perhaps, the worst crime ever committed. Interesting as it may be, we have often shaped our beliefs based on a few single moments in time. Something that may have happened to you as a five-year old may have caused you to believe something untrue about yourself. For example, something may have happened to you that caused you to believe that you are ___________. Subsequently, for years and years you believed that you are ___________, but are you? What do you think?

No, really, what do you think? As a person thinketh, a person getteth. OK, that was a joke thrown in the midst of all this newfangled thinking, but the cool thing about that joke is that it's as garbled as it is true. Really, though, what do you think of your business and your life? Why did you go into business in the first place? Are you where you thought you would be by now? If not, why not? No matter what, you can bet your bottom dollar that your thoughts and your actions are no doubt in sync.

Let's have a look at your actions: A smart man once said, "When you choose the behavior, you choose the consequences." Once again, the world is ablaze with news you can't use. But look deeper and you will find a more direct link between the beginning and the end: You choose. If you're at a rough spot in your life or your business, this does not mean that that have been wrong or that your circumstances are your fault. What it does mean is that your life, your business and the quality of each is your responsibility. Unequivocally, the results received are a direct result of the choices made [or not made]. Pursuant to this concept, Universal Law indeed states: “That which you do not choose will be chosen for you.” Whether or not you realize that you choose, you still choose. This means that by not taking action, by not making choices, you then choose not to choose. Life is tricky that way. While the end results may not be what you have wanted, what the universe understands from you is that you do not want to choose. It means that you choose neither the behavior nor the consequences, and in turn, leave your results to chance. What can you do? First, choose. Then choose good choices. You will see immediate results.

Speaking of results, are you happy with your business? Then let me ask you this: Why does Ford make cars? Why does Sony make televisions? Why is any business in business? Here it is: Businesses are in business to make money, and yours is no different. If you opened a salon to beautify your clients and you are not making the money you dreamed of, you are more than likely doing what you set out to do, which is beautifying clients. If you are not doing both, beautifying clients and making money, it is highly likely that you did not believe you could do it, and because you did not believe you could do it, you did not think you could have it, and because you did not think you could have it, you did not act though you could get it, and because you did not act as though you could get it, you did not get it, get it?

Having the business and/or the life of your dreams is not an automatic process. These things do not take care of themselves. Living a good life and a running a successful business is only the result of willful, meaningful action, over and over. The beauty of this is that you are in control. Whenever you feel that you are in rut, draw a diagram like the one pictured above to help figure things out. It is possible to see life (and business) as a-gift-is-usually-wrapped-up-in-a-problem-thorns-have-roses-the-glass-is-half full kind thing. Best of luck to you and your new altitude.