CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Why do some people seem to reach the top while others remain stuck? You may think it's because they have more "brains, talent and friends." But there is something else that is more important: a positive attitude.
You and I know people who walk around with a half-empty glass. The right attitude can make a difference in your career.
How can you adopt a positive attitude?
Don't sit around waiting to win the lottery. Successful people make things happen; search for different things that will add value. Take a look from a different perspective.
Sometimes I think about what I could or should be doing differently. Don't defeat yourself; no one is out to defeat you. When people see that you are trying they will step up to help you. If you don't bother, why should they?
It's not what you know, but who you know. It's called networking; just do it. Successful people understand the importance of networking. Expand your horizons and establish professional contacts. Go to lunch with your colleagues, or join a professional association.
You never know when you are going to be noticed, so take pride in your work. Tackle the smallest tasks with enthusiasm and attention to detail. If you can handle the small tasks, then you can be trusted with bigger ones.
Always treat everyone with respect because you will go far by being courteous to everyone. You never know when your paths will cross again in the future. If you took a trip around the world and came back to the same spot, you would find that those you left have changed.
Believe in yourself. Yes, the glass is half-full. If you spend your days feeling like you are not cut out for the work you're responsible for, then you won't be. Your work assignments may not be perfect, but positive people make them perfect.
It's your job to look for ways to add value to your professional self. I am impressed when Airmen approach me volunteering to take on projects. It renews my optimism in our country and Air Force. Learning new skills and expanding your education will make yourself more marketable. Stay late to help your co-workers -- it will pay off in the morning.
Your mistakes will help pave the way to your success. While it seems like some people never experience setbacks, the truth is everyone fails at something at some point. The difference is how you deal with failure. Life is 10 percent what happens to you, and 90 percent how you respond to it. I make mistakes every day, but I make it a point to teach people lessons learned from my mistakes so they don't do the same.
Be open to criticism. If you had to choose between a supporter and a critic to give you feedback, which would you choose? Which would you learn from more? Whose respect would you gain? Listen to the critic; he will in turn listen to you. You might end up with two supporters.
Don't get mad, get even. Bad things happen and are sometimes nothing more than perception. A lot of energy is built up when we feel slighted. What you do with that energy is your decision alone. Turn your energy into a positive driving force and aim it in the right direction to help you add value to your professional self. In the end you will be more marketable.
Ultimately, you are responsible for your own future ... make it a positive one.