How to Develop a Winning Attitude by Brandon Richards

One of the best tools that you can acquire as you go through life will be a winning attitude.  Whether in the Martial Arts, in school, or in business, a winning attitude will give you the extra push you need to succeed and make you shine.  In fact, one of the most important elements to success in the Martial Arts, and life, is to carry a positive, winning attitude with you wherever you go.  But what does it take in our everyday lives to develop a winning attitude?

             A positive outlook is the single most important element in achieving a winning attitude.   If you hold a positive attitude, you are able to relate to the world on a positive basis.   People with a positive attitude always look for the "can do," not the "cannot do," side of each situation they face.  If you think you can, you have a better chance of succeeding than if you take a negative approach to the situation. Having a positive attitude means believing not only in yourself, but also seeing others in a positive light. A positive attitude is contagious.  When it is sincere, people with whom you come into contact will relate to you and your activities with a vitality and positive attitude that causes a winning, successful environment.

Another important element in achieving a winning attitude is passion.  Passion is the driving force within those with a winning attitude.  It sets them apart from others.  Passion is an energy that gives them the fuel to realize their potential and feel good about themselves.  When you begin to realize your potential and feel truly good about the person that you have become, you will begin to believe in yourself. You must also constantly remind yourself to encourage others.  This is the essence of the Martial Arts spirit.

A final element that can help you to have a winning attitude is energy.   If you maintain a high level of physical energy, it will prevent you from feeling tired and discouraged when adversity strikes.  Physical energy can be obtained by maintaining a healthy diet, working out regularly (both in and out of the dojang), and taking care of your body and yourself.