Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored.”—Aldous Huxley


Good morning! When Donna submitted this quote, I knew it would have to be the
subject of one of our Good Mornings. I think this quote speaks to one of the
core issues many self-improvement programs miss. We can’t “ignore the facts” as
we strive to create a better life. While positive thinking is a great tool, if
we ignore the facts, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

To change our lives for the better, we must methodically work through our “life
clutter” while maintaining a positive attitude, realizing that we are taking
control of our futures. A positive attitude shouldn’t be something we brainwash
ourselves to have. A truly positive attitude is born when we take action, take
responsibility, and start regaining control of the many areas of our lives.
We can learn a lot by looking at the flipside of this. If our attitudes aren’t
positive, then we can assume that we are either :

1. Trying to brainwash ourselves without dealing with core issues
2. Not taking action
3. Not regaining control
4. Ignoring the facts
5. Not taking responsibility.

Those five ingredients are the mixture required for a lasting, positive outlook.
Some might argue that our outlook relies on external events. In cases of
tragedy, this is often true. But in our day-to-day stresses and anxieties, I
would disagree. One of my favorite quotes has always been, “Two men look out the
same prison bars, one sees mud, the other sees stars.” In this example, the
external is the same—but the focus of the two men is different. We control our
outlook.

Your Turn:
Where in your life have you been pushing to have a good attitude without taking
into account “the facts?” Which of these five areas could you improve on today?

1. Not brainwashing yourself into a positive attitude by ignoring core issues

2. Taking action
3. Regaining control
4. Facing the facts or
5. Taking responsibility.

What is a step you can take in the next hour in one of those areas?

Today’s Affirmation:
I am actively regaining control of every area of my life.