JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
We have heard countless times during pregame and postgame interviews as athletes explain their strategy for the big win, "attitude is everything."
It seems attitude plays an important role in success. I have told countless Airmen facing difficult situations the same thing. A positive attitude will play a major role in how things will turn out. You have a choice in how things will end up and how people around you will be affected. How you are perceived is 100 percent in your control.
I have used the "attitude" statement numerous times talking with Airmen and my own children. They were simple words, but how did they apply? Did those simple words "attitude is everything" really work?
In February 2009, I put those words to the test for myself. As I sat in the doctor's office on the edge of the exam table waiting for what seemed to be an eternity, the doctor entered the room and I could tell by the look on his face the news wasn't good.
The doctor took a deep breath and sighed when he said, "We reviewed the tests and I'm sorry to tell you that you have cancer."
I sat in disbelief as the feelings of shock, fear, anger and denial ran through me. I didn't hear much of what the doctor said after that. My wife, who was sitting next to me thankfully, was able to focus on the important information the doctor had for me.
Over the next few days, as I thought a number of things through, those words I used so many times before popped into my head ... "attitude is everything."
I made up my mind at that point not to let the cancer get the best of me. I was not going to let cancer affect my family, my life, or my outlook on things. Anything less than a positive attitude would be unacceptable. I have tried to maintain as much of a normal life as possible with my work and family activities.
This past year has not been an easy road to travel. There have been many difficult periods, setbacks and doubts on how things will turn out. With the support of my command, supervisors, family, friends, faith and a positive attitude this continuing journey has been more tolerable.
My father always told me, "Life is always easier when everything goes your way."
Looking back I think he was telling me to suck it up and deal with the situation in a nice way.
So with that said, how you approach situations is important and being positive can go a long way with you, those you work with, supervise and influence. A positive attitude is an infectious thing and will catch on with everyone around you. Always remember, especially when things are looking bad that, "attitude is everything."