“Attitude determines altitude!” This is a statement frequently made by Dick Moscovic, a teacher with whom I worked for many years. Dick is an outstanding individual and a blessing as he has positively influenced 47 years of students in our community. (Yes, Dick was a public-school teacher for 47 years.) But these are not just words, he lives out this principle, always demonstrating a positive attitude, not that his life is easy. He has three sons, two very successful. One, however, is severely handicapped. For as long as I have known him, Dick has started his day early, hours before school starts, by taking care of Drew’s needs, helping him with even the most basic of human functions. Yet, Dick’s attitude remains positive, helping to elevate the attitude of everyone around him.
Positive Mindset
Over many years, I have observed Dick convincing his students and me of the truth of this powerful statement. What Dick means by these three words is that having a positive mindset, one that expects success and prepares for success, will result in positive and successful things happening in one’s life. This principle has certainly proven true for Dick’s students, who have accomplished great things over the years and become leaders in our community. For me, I have found that you can’t go anywhere in our community without meeting someone impacted by Dick’s positive attitude.
One of the characteristics that I love most about Dick is that he is a strong man of faith. Dick demonstrates a life characterized by excellence. He lives out his faith in public, in front of his students and their parents. Dick connects students who are struggling with other students who are Christians, so that they can shine the light of Jesus. He counsels and prays with parents of his students when they come to him at the end of their rope. Parents will often say, “I’ve tried everything,” usually referring to a son or daughter in trouble. This statement provides the perfect opportunity for Dick to share his personal story.
Coachisms
Actually, Dick has many sayings that he uses to motivate and encourage students. We call these Coachisms; Dick was a wrestling coach for many years, and his students continued to use the title “Coach” long after he hung up his wrestling shoes. Dick’s coachisms are inspired by his faith, sayings such as, “Better to be the shining moon, than the barking dog,” “Trying is better than crying,” and, my favorite, “Every day is a good day, but some are better than others.” Dick often uses these sayings and ties them into what he heard his priest say at one time or another.
Recent research on the brain has confirmed the truth of Dick’s wisdom of the importance of attitude. Carol Dweck summarizes 30 years of research in her book Mindset (2006), which shows the power of attitude. When students believe they can get smarter, they put in the effort, which in turn leads to higher achievement. We have also learned that humans use only a small amount of our available brain potential. In other words, there is much room for growth and development. I am often surprised that this seems to be news to many of the students that I have counseled in my office over the years.
Choose a Growth Mindset
Students will often say, “I can’t do it. I’m not creative.” Or, even more common is the statement students will make after I ask why their math performance is so low: “I can’t learn algebra.” Sometimes students will even get angry when I try to convince them that they can learn math. These students are exhibiting what educators know as a “fixed,” instead of a “growth” mindset. A person’s belief or mindset about intelligence, ability, and talent can have a profound impact on his or her future.
The Lesson we learn from Dick Moscovic aligns with a familiar lesson from the Bible. “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm” (Daniel 6:3, KJV). Daniel is a familiar Bible character to most Americans. We learn the story of Daniel in the lions’ den in Sunday school. In the young man Daniel, the king noticed a mindset or attitude that was “excellent.”
The question for us today is what is our attitude? Do we have a fixed or growth mindset? This reminds me of the woman who said, “Don’t confuse me with the facts. My mind is already made up.” Are you open to learning and growing? I pray that we would let the Lord transform us by the renewing of our minds.
Copyright © 2020 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Passion.