Attitude Determines Altitude!

 “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.

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,” and, my favorite, “Every day is a good day, but some are better than others.”

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.

Growth Mindset

The Lesson we learn from Dick Moscovic aligns with a familiar lesson from the Bible.

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 of Babylon 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?

“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)

Copyright © 2020 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Passion.