When you hear the good ol’ saying, “Attitude is Altitude” or “Attitude is Everything” or any of those clichés, do you really take them seriously? I sure didn’t. Just saying some phrase you’ve heard from some guru didn’t lend me any insight into where my attitude was at.

What made the difference to me was when I realized that I needed to be aware of my attitude at all times. When I got a flat tire, when I pulled a muscle, when I spilled a drink, when anything didn’t go the way I wanted it to… I would throw a temper-tantrum just like a little kid. Maybe not out in the open, maybe not physically, but my brain would speak to me in that childish tone. I would whine to myself, driving my blood pressure up, creating unneeded stress and anxiety, saying “Woe is me!”

Now, when obstacles come in my way it becomes easy to maintain a good attitude. Why? Two reasons: 1.) because I am aware of my thoughts and have complete control over them, and 2.) I know where I am going and I refuse to let a bad attitude get in the way of me and my dreams.

That’s it. Period.

When you have the faith that you can overcome anything, the little obstacles don’t seem to matter anymore.

If you knew 100% that you were going to be a successful actor, but you were living out of you car at the time, would you keep a positive attitude? Jim Carrey did it.

If you knew you were going to become a famous rock star, but your current job was a grave digger, would you keep a positive attitude? Rod Stewart did it.

Jerry Seinfeld sold light bulbs by phone. Brad Pitt moved refrigerators.

Stephen King was a janitor. The list goes on and on.

It doesn’t matter where you are right now. Get a dream, maintain a good attitude, and get to work. Your future is waiting for you. Don’t miss it.