Yes, I Can

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

Herm Albright

I’ve Been Thinking. . . how much I enjoy working with people who have a ‘Yes, I Can’ attitude.

A man joined a monastery of Trappist monks, where, in addition to the vows of celibacy and poverty, he was required to take a vow of silence. The Monastery allowed him to speak two words a year.

At the conclusion of his first year, he was asked by his superiors what he had to say. The amateur monk responded: “Food cold!”

He was thanked for his comments and the man retreated for another year of prayer and meditation.

Two years after his arrival the aspiring monk was once again escorted to his senior monk who greeted him and asked what he would like to share this year.

The man replied: “Bed hard!”

Once again, he reentered his silent world.

By the end of the third year, the monk was familiar with the process. He made his way into the meditative quarters of his superiors who repeated the anticipated process.

“It has been three years, what is on your mind this year?”

The man adamantly responded, “I Quit!”

His superior responded, “Your decision doesn’t surprise us; after all, for the last three years you’ve done nothing but complain.”

Let it be known the world is full of people who complain, complain, complain. You probably already knew that. You know those people who only feel good when they feel bad; they only have something to say when it is negative, or are only happy when they are unhappy. They are all around us.

I prefer to emulate the attitude and spirit displayed in this story. In his book Go For The Magic, Pat Williams recounts a story told by St. Louis sportswriter Bob Broeg about baseball Hall of Fame player Stan Musial, who was known as one of the game’s most consistent players.

One day when Musial was playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, a teammate came into the clubhouse whistling. He turned to Stan and said, “I feel great. My home life is happy. I’m in a groove. I feel like I’m going to get two hits today. Ever feel like that, Stan?”

Smiling, Musial looked at him and said, “Every day!”

We all know that anyone, no matter how good the circumstances are can find a reason to have a negative attitude. And everyone, no matter how bad the circumstances are, can find a way to maintain a good attitude. It is simply a choice!

One of my favorite authors, Chuck Swindoll, explains in his book Laugh Again that when Mother Teresa was asked the requirements for people assisting in her work with the destitute in Calcutta, she cited two things; the desire to work hard and a joyful attitude. If someone could be expected to be joyful among the dying and the poorest of the poor, then certainly we can do the same in our situation.

Several things on a team are not contagious. Talent. Experience. Willingness to practice. But we can be sure of one thing: Attitude is catching.

What does a “Yes, I Can” person look like? They. . .

* Possess an unwavering passion for what they do
* Love what they do
* Have a high energy level
* Display a “How can I make it happen?” mentality
* Never use the words – “It’s not my job.”
* Always look for a better way.
* Look for the best in every situation
* Leave every situation better than they found it

“Yes, I Can” people display a visual love for what they do which generates passion and sustains a high energy level. “Yes, I Can” people never worry about burning out. They are more concerned about rusting out.

No matter how small or large the task, “Yes I Can” people pitch in. Try it for a week. Approach every situation with a “Yes, I Can” mentality. If you don’t experience increased energy, passion and satisfaction --- you’ll make a great laboratory experiment.

Dr. William Glasser maintained, “If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behavior. In other words, begin to act the part, as well as you can, of the person you would rather be, the person you most want to become. Gradually, the old, fearful person will fade away.” Give it a try. See if a heightened sense of expectations and behaviors result.

“Yes, you can!”

Wake up with a smile and go after life….Live it, enjoy it, taste it, smell it, feel it.

Joe Knapp