“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”   Zig Ziglar

Zig was a highly successful motivational speaker and author. His snappy little comment captures a lot of wisdom and packs a powerful punch, doesn’t it? Attitude is definitely a word with plenty of attitude! Here’s how Webster’s defines it:

1) a position assumed for a specific purpose;
2) a mental position with regard to a fact or state;
3) a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state;
4) a state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to
stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation);
5) a negative or hostile state of mind;
6) a cocky or arrogant manner.

Wow, that one word covers a lot of territory! And here’s something to ponder: In a study of 3,000 top achievers, 85% of them attributed their success to their attitude — and only 15% to the skills they developed.

Someone once asked a couple of questions that really hit home with me:

How much would you pay for your attitude?
If your attitude was a horse race, what place would it come in?
If someone stole your attitude, would it be a blessing?

Attitude is a big issue for us as writers. If we come to the page feeling frustrated by a rough patch or yesterday’s results, then it’s going to be tough to get our motor going. On the other hand, if we arrive on the page hopeful and fascinated by all the possibilities before us, then who knows what might happen? Don’t get frustrated, get fascinated! That’s what my friend and mentor Dr. Rob Gilbert* is fond of saying.

So let’s meet the page today with a winning attitude as we all write on!

* Check out his fabulous Success Hotline (973.743.4690).