Atlanta Writers Group

 

Feature Article – June 2006

 

The Winner’s Attitude

By Leslie Ann Dauphin, Ph.D.

 

Have you ever wondered why things seem to go so well for some people and not for others?  For these people, landing a great job or establishing a successful business, a fabulous home, a wonderful family and other things equated with success seem effortless.  I refer to these people as winners, and I have spent much of my adult life observing them. 

 

What do winners do differently from non-winners?  What do they have that others don’t?  What I have found is that they share a similar approach to life.  It has little to do with luck and much to do with mind-set.  I call it the winner’s attitude.  Below are some common characteristics of people with this outlook.

 

Persistenceabove all winners don’t quit; they keep going and going and going.  Whatever the goal, they continue to push until they reach it.  A successful writer for example, continues to submit his or her work until it is published.  The successful self-published writer produces a quality product that will sell, and works diligently to market and promote it.   Importantly, he or she never gives up.

 

Overcome—winners conquer challenges and defeat odds.  Rather than being discouraged when things don’t go as planned or expected, they brush it off and continue to be encouraged.  The winner’s attitude is one of triumph. 

 

Sharp—winners often make good decisions.  They have a tendency to think before acting.  Winners take the time to develop plans, doing careful research and using many resources.  Winners regularly receive guidance and information from experts and reliable sources.

 

Intuitive—winners are often very perceptive people.  They carefully review situations.  Decisions are made after consideration of many variables.  They evaluate circumstances in order to act appropriately.

 

Timely—winners use their time appropriately.  They rarely procrastinate and are very efficient.  They spend time on the things that matter—those that get them closer to accomplishing their goals.  They do not waste their time.

 

Independent—winners are able to accomplish things on their own.  This does not mean that they don’t seek help or advice (see Smart above).  It simply means that they are self-starters and have the wherewithal to complete tasks, no matter how difficult or challenging.  They do delegate tasks, but they do not depend on others to make things happen for them.  

 

Versatile—winners are adaptable to situations.  When conditions change, winners are flexible and reasonable.  They make adjustments to handle unexpected challenges.  A winner does not allow change to get them off course.

 

Enthusiastic—winners are often passionate about what they do.  They are eager to work and show it.  They demonstrate their enjoyment regularly.  They make what they do appear fun and exciting.

 

If you’ve scanned this article, then you’ve read the most important aspect of the winner’s attitude —being positive.  Whatever your goals are, believe that you can and expect to accomplish them. Understand that your accomplishments will often line up with your attitude.  A positive attitude will impact your productivity and it will effect and influence those you come into contact with.

 

 

Dr. Leslie Ann Dauphin is a respected scientist, lecturer, author and columnist.  She promotes complete wellness of mind, body and spirit.  She is the author of The Germ Handbook (Siloam, 2005), which teaches readers to protect themselves from infectious diseases.  She also serves as Executive Director of AWG.  You may learn about the author and subscribe to her Complete Wellness newsletter by visiting her website at http://drleslieonline.com.