Attitude makes a difference.
Yeah, yeah, you know that. You’ve heard it for years. It’s so cliché.
And yet, you know it’s true.
For years, I’ve heard about all the things that attitude can do for you. In fact, I think the topic is so important that I dedicated a whole letter of REAL Ministry to it.
A = Attitude.
But, there are things that attitude can’t do for you. In fact, there are 5 things that attitude can’t do for you. Before I take the credit for any of these great ideas, you must know that John C. Maxwell first suggested this list in his book, The Difference Maker, which, by the way, is a great book to read.
Here are the 5 things that attitude can’t do for you, with some of my thoughts and comments.
- Your attitude cannot substitute for competence.
It’s true. You can think you are good at something, but, if you are not good at it, no amount of positive thinking will help you be good at it. Some people seem to confuse confidence, which is a function of attitude, with competence, which is a function of ability.
- Your attitude cannot substitute for experience.
There are just some things that you only learn from experience. The problem with experience is that you rarely have it until you need it. This is a great story that depicts what experience can do for you.
A fox, a wolf, and a bear went hunting, and each got a deer. A discussion followed about how they should divide the spoils. The bear asked the wolf how he thought it should be done. The wolf answered, “That’s simple. Each of us should get one deer.” As soon as the wolf was done speaking, the bear ate him. Then the bear asked how the fox proposed to divvy up the spoils. The fox offered his deer to the bear and suggested that the bear take the wolf’s as well. “Where did you get such wisdom?” asked the bear. “From the wolf,” replied the fox.
- Your attitude cannot change the facts.
Facts are facts. Sometimes, I try to deny the facts. However, it is very difficult to deny data. If it is a fact, accept it. Your good attitude cannot convince your pastor that your ministry is going well when, in actuality, the numbers show that you are not reaching your intended audience.
- Your attitude cannot substitute for personal growth.
A good attitude does not mean you are growing. Just like attitude not being a good substitute for experience, nothing substitutes for personal growth. If you are to continue to succeed in ministry, taking your personal growth is essential.
- You attitude will not stay good automatically
I have a natural disposition towards a good attitude, but I still need to work on it. Just like anyone, I can get caught in the negativity of the world. It takes work to have a good attitude. Everyone is attracted to a good attitude. If you purposely work towards having a good attitude, then I guarantee that you will attract more volunteers, more families, and more resources to your ministry.
Question: Which attitude misconception do you fall for?
