全都來自態度

這可不一定。人們可能受過同樣的教育、參加同樣的訓練、有差不多相同的能力、也有同等的機會，但可能一個人成功，另一個卻失敗。這兩人到底有何區別？在許多案例中都可用一個詞來總結：態度。

作家查爾斯．史雲舵這麼說：「發生在你身上的事佔10%，你如何回應佔90%，這就是態度。」維克多．法蘭科是奧地利的神經學家和心理學家，他曾寫到他之所以能在二次大戰的納粹集中營中存活，而其他許多人卻死了，是因為他能「在任何環境中選擇適當的態度」。

許多醫生同意，病人的態度，而非醫療照顧的品質，是病人在重大手術後恢復情況或對抗重大疾病的決定因素。正向、樂觀的態度顯然與手術本身及醫藥一樣重要。在四年多前我經歷了一次開心臟手術。在手術前我立定心志，若我能在手術後活過來，我要盡一切所能去得到完全的康復，包括艱難的復健。到現在，那決心一直對我的復元和後續的健康有重大的影響。

把這種態度應用到職場：若你以熱忱的態度、充滿決心要學習一切所需的知識去做好一個新的工作、且願意面對並克服障礙，你成功的可能性就非常高。這不表示工作將很容易或沒有挑戰，但每一天都以樂觀和信心開始，一定會影響其結果。

與上帝有堅定且日漸親密之關係的人常常顯示出正面的態度－－即使在今天這混亂、苛求、難以預料的工商專業界。禱告、從聖經中得智慧、以及聖經的原則使他們擁有別人沒有的資源。以下是聖經中有關態度的一些觀念：

專注在正面的事，而非負面的環境。我們住在一個似乎壞消息凌駕一切的世界，沮喪、灰心埋伏在每個角落。要對抗這些，我們就需要專注在帶來希望的事上。「凡是真實的、可敬的、公義的、清潔的、可愛的、有美名的，若有什麼德行，若有什麼稱讚，這些事你們都要思念」（腓立比書4章8節）。

面對逆境時，我們可以從上帝那裡得智慧。有時環境讓我們不知所措，無法決定要怎麼做或要走那一條途徑。上帝應許要提供指引。「你們中間若有缺少智慧的，應當求那厚賜與眾人、也不斥責人的神，主就必賜給他」（雅各書1章5節）。

即使在艱困中，還是有上帝美好的計畫。有時我們無法解釋為何困難和災難會發生。但那些信靠上帝的人確信祂知道這困難，祂也會用這困難達成祂美好的旨意。「我們曉得萬事都互相效力，叫愛神的人得益處，就是按他旨意被召的人」（羅馬書8章28節）。

勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的交通部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。他也是一個有38年經驗的退休新聞工作者。他寫過一本書「最佳狀態的商業：箴言給今日職場的歷久彌新智慧」（Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace）。他也與David A. Stoddard合著一本書「導師之心：啟發人們將其潛能發揮到極至的10個原則」（The Heart of Mentoring: 10 Proven Principles for Developing People to Their Fullest Potential）。要了解更多資訊, 可上網www.leaderslegacy.com 或上他的部落格www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com 。

思想 / 討論題目
你可以想到某位同事的正面和樂觀態度有傳染性嗎？總是有負面態度的人又如何？這樣的人對與他共事的人會有何影響？ 你如何歸類你自己－－主要是有正面的態度或是一向都期待負面的結果？換句話說，你認為「杯子還有半滿的水」或「杯子空了一半」？那樣的態度如何影響你去面對每天的工作？ 你是否認為選擇一個正向、有盼望的態度去面對挑戰真的會帶來改變嗎？請解釋。 你同意與上帝有日漸親密的關係能夠幫助人產生並維持正面的態度嗎？為什麼？註：若你有聖經且想要看有關此主題的其他經文，請看：
耶利米書29章11節、耶利米書33章3節、羅馬書5章1-5節、以弗所書3章20節、雅各書1章2-8節、約翰一書4章4節

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ATTITUDE

By Robert J. Tamasy

“You have exactly the right attitude to handle this situation.” “You need to do something about changing your attitude. It is terrible!” Obviously these statements are two ends of the extreme, but realistically, what difference does our attitude make in our day-to-day responsibilities in the workplace? If you are properly trained, have the right skills and experience, and receive enough opportunities, can success be far behind?

Not necessarily. People might have the same amount of education, participate in the same training programs, share similar abilities, and be presented with comparable opportunities, but one might succeed while the other fails. What differentiates the two? In many cases it can be summed up in one word: Attitude.

Author Charles Swindoll states it this way: “Attitude is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.” Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychologist who has written powerfully about surviving Nazi concentration camps during World War II, attributed his ability to survive, while so many others perished, to being able to “choose one”s attitude in any given circumstances.”

Many medical practitioners agree that a patient”s attitude, not the quality of health care provided, can be the deciding factor in how the individual fares after major surgery or in coping with a serious disease. A positive, optimistic attitude apparently can be as critical as the surgery itself and prescribed medication. More than four years ago, I underwent open-heart surgery. Before the procedure I had resolved that if I came through it, I would do everything I needed to do for a full recovery, including arduous rehabilitation. To date, that resolve has been very important to my recovery and continued good health.

Apply that type of attitude to the workplace: If you approach a new job – or new assignment – with enthusiasm, filled with determination to learn all you need to master the task and willingness to confront and overcome obstacles, your likelihood of success is very high. That does not mean the work will be easy or without challenges, but starting each day with optimism and confidence definitely influences the outcome.

People having a strong, growing relationship with God often exhibit a positive attitude – even in today”s chaotic, demanding, unpredictable business and professional world. Prayer, wisdom from the Bible, and biblical principles give them resources that others lack. Here are some thoughts about attitude from the Scriptures:

Concentrate on positive things, not negative circumstances. We live in a world where bad news seems to dominate, where discouragement and despair lurk around every corner. To combat that, we need to concentrate on things that bring hope. “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Facing adversity, we can receive wisdom from God. Sometimes circumstances leave us perplexed, unable to determine what to do or which course to take. God promises to provide direction. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

A perfect plan exists, even in hardship. Sometimes difficulties and calamities occur that defy explanation. But those who trust in God have the assurance He is aware of the problems and will use them for His divine purpose. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blog, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

Reflection/Discussion Questions
Can you think of someone you work with whose positive, optimistic attitude is contagious? What about an individual who always seems to have a negative attitude – what kind of impact do people like that have on those that are working with them? How would you characterize yourself – as someone with a predominantly positive attitude, or someone that typically expects a negative outcome? In other words, are you a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” person? How does that affect your approach to your work each day? Do you think that choosing to deal with challenges with a positive, hopeful attitude can truly make a difference? Explain your answer. The statement is made that a growing relationship with God can help in establishing and maintaining a positive attitude. Do you agree? Why or why not?NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:　Jeremiah 29:11, 33:3; Romans 5:1-5; Ephesians 3:20; James 1:2-8; 1 John 4:4