And, as is illustrated by the book Fish!, by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and
John. Christensen, you choose your attitude. The authors write about Pike Place
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Choose Your Attitude “You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sail.” – Jim Rohn Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. It’s your outlook or attitude toward circumstances and situations that will make the difference. And, as is illustrated by the book Fish!, by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen, you choose your attitude. The authors write about Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. Given that they are working in a fish market, most of the employees have to deal with fish guts, skins, and an awful odour. However, management and workers have decided to make their store in the market fun and their mundane and often unpleasant jobs fulfilling. At lunchtime, crowds gather around to watch these charismatic and entertaining workers. Fish are flying all over from hand to hand as the staff do their work. Staff even get people to participate in tossing the fish around. They sing and yell that certain fish are taking off to certain parts of the country. They dance, laugh, and smile. Many of the people who stay to watch are changed by this unique fish market. It feels good to be around positive people. They feel good, therefore you feel good – it’s contagious. And it’s not bad for business either. These workers draw the biggest crowds in the market because of their positive attitudes. How is it that these workers are able to enjoy themselves in a job where most people couldn’t see themselves as possibly having fun or being motivated? The answer is attitude. It’s not the job that dictates how you feel; it’s how you react to it. You choose your attitude every day. You decide the level of contribution you put into your work, and then act accordingly. The more of your heart and soul you pour into your work, the more benefits you will reap. A positive attitude breeds positive feelings. Success is a choice You can teach people skills. To some degree you can even teach them to think. But you cannot teach them attitude. While some people are naturally more positive or negative, ultimately they choose their attitude.
Three workers at a construction site were asked how they spent their days. The first said, “I’m making a living.” The second said, “I’m cutting stone.” The third said, “I’m building a cathedral.” We all perceive things differently, and perception can create a strong attitude. “Happiness is not a state to arrive at but, rather, a manner of travelling.” – Samuel Johnson
