It’s Time for an Attitude Boost!

By Bruce Witt

Life is full of ups and downs, encouragements and challenges, and the one thing that will help us not only survive but thrive is our attitude. Here are eight perspectives that frame your life journey—applying them can open your life to radical change and make a lasting difference in your purpose and outlook -  

1. Always Be Thankful
2. Live in Hope
3. Fulfill Your Purpose
4. Be Your Best
5. Give Your All
6. Put Others First
7. Focus on the Eternal
8. Attack the Day

Launching Your Attack

Let’s dive deeper into number eight entitled “Attack the Day”. This perspective is not just for the type-A, super high energy, mountaintop-conquering personalities—it’s for all of us as we decide how to use each day to enjoy God’s fellowship and guide our steps.

Dave Stoddard had been a friend for over 30 years. We had been in a Bible studies together and had worked side by side for a number of years in ministry. While I was on a mission trip to Mexico, I received a call from a friend who asked me, “Did you hear about Dave Stoddard?” “No,” I replied, “What’s up?” Rick, my friend said, “Last night Dave passed away in his motel room, fully clothed with no signs of any issues.” I couldn’t believe it because I knew that Dave was a triathlete and also an iron man runner

with so much energy and discipline applied to his physical life. How could this happen, especially at the age of 60? He was in fantastic physical condition with no signs of any health problems.

The shocking realization to me was that here was a godly man whom I had worked closely with for years, and now his life on earth was over. No more work, no more ministry, and suddenly he is gone leaving behind his family and friends. Unbelievable!

Yogi Berra, the famous ballplayer for the Yankees, said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” All I could think about in Dave’s case was, “Life on earth is all over when it is over.” No more second chances, no more time, and nothing else to do here on earth. Because Dave had purpose and was in the process of fulfilling his purpose, his life was one of no regrets. This should be said about each of us because we all will face that day. Thus the takeaway is to “attack the day,” leave everything on the field, and live with no regrets.

Here are some “attack stance” points that will help all of us on life’s journey:

PRESS IN – EMBRACE THE DIFFICULT ROAD

To “press in” is to lean in and lean toward the Lord. Even though it is painful and uncomfortable, we need to rely upon the Lord. Pressing into the Lord is to be at home with Him and continually exercising the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, listening, etc. Pressing in to Him takes us away from the continual draw and clamor of the world.

PRESS ON – PERSEVERE AND DON’T QUIT

Jesus said that we are called to lose our life for God’s sake and we will find it. In the same way, we are called to press on and persevere in all circumstances. These verses reflect this perspective. We are not to quit but keep on keeping on. “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

MAKE WISE DECISIONS

When you attack the day, it must be a product of wise decisions. Begin by asking yourself about the decision: is it “one day” (we will get to it sometime) or “day one” (take action now)?

WE ARE AT WAR

We must realize that we are engaged in a spiritual war that rages ongoing. The enemy wants to trip us up and attack us and our way of life. So in attacking the day, we must adopt a warfare footing and a fighting mentality.

ATTACK WITH GREAT COURAGE

When we attack the day we must have and reflect an attitude of courage, which also could be described as “heart” like in the “heart of a lion.” Courage does not shrink back in fear or complaining but rather embraces the challenges and goes forth into battle. This is what the Lord instructed Joshua over 6 times, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Share Your Ideas

Do you have any attitude ideas on attacking the day that work for you? Please share them in our blog—we’d love to hear from you.

BW

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7)

Life is full of ups and downs, encouragements and challenges, and the one thing that will help us not only survive but thrive is our attitude.

Bruce’s new book, The Power of Attitude, will help you impact your personal world and extend your influence to the entire world. By learning the eight attitudes that frame your life journey, the Lord can radically change and make a lasting difference in your purpose and outlook.

Purchase in the Tools section of our website. 

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“This book provides helpful tools relating to the key issues of growth in character, gratitude, generosity, and how to clarify our hope.“ - Dr. Kenneth Boa, Reflections Ministries

“This must-read will give you encouragement and hope of how the Lord wants to work through you.” - Howard Dayton, Founder of Crown Ministries and Compass – Finances God’s Way

“If we take his approach and appropriate the Power of Attitude we will see a changed world.“ - Terence Chatmon, Author, Do Your Children Believe?, President of EQUIP and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation