Are you a glass half empty or glass half full type of person?  I discussed this some in my blog on perspective.  This needs to be revisited as it is one of Cottrell’s choices and also something we need to hear repeatedly.

I just watched Creflo Dollar the other night & he was talking about having a spirit of fear.  This is not just fear itself, but also includes doubt.  He says that fear or doubt paralyzes faith and faith paralyzes fear.  So, if you pray as a result of having fear or doubt that your practice will not survive, your prayers will not be heard.  If you have confidence in the Word of God and stand on that truth, HE will supply all your needs and there will be no room for fear/doubt.  As a result, your prayers will be heard.

I have a grandmother whose doctor told her she wouldn’t live past Christmas because her cancer was so aggressive.  This was last year.  She has completed treatment.  Her tumors have shrunk.  Coincidence?  I don’t think so.  I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Cottrell says “doctors confirm that the difference between survivors and those who do not survive is often the individual patient’s attitude.”

This goes for your practice survival, an illness, in competition, in school, in work, in relationships, etc. You are in charge of your attitude.  You are in charge of your happiness.  You can choose to be a doom & gloom type of person or you can choose optimism and enthusiasm.  Who would you rather spend time with?

Did you know that the word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word en theos , meaning “God within”.  Those that have God, need to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad”.  His yoke is easy.  His burden is light.

Have you ever seen seen a really negative person that was successful?  Cottrell says “optimism and enthusiasm are two traits you’ll find in most top employees and leaders, regardless of industry, profession or age”.  He also says you need to expect challenges to arrive.  When they show up, focus on your goals not your doubts or fears.  Which path will you choose?

I’ll end with the words of Churchill “An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity.  A pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.”