Solitary Man

I can't say that I'm riveted to the television watching the Olympics. It has been a nice diversion to a horrible winter (weather wise). I did not see the men's figure skating (one can only take so much) but I did see the celebration as American skater, Evan Lysacek, won a gold medal. I started to think about all the time he has spent on the ice training and visualizing this moment. He will be 25 in June and won his first competition at 10. He had dedicated his life in pursuit of Olympic gold. He showed his grit in Torino finishing fourth after a horrible short program due to illness. He took IV's and rose from 10th to 4th. His hard work and dedication paid off. Barring injury, he should be set for life touring with the various ice shows and perhaps commentating in the future.

Lysacek is not the only Olympian that trains in virtual solitude and fixes their life on Olympic gold. He's one of many, not to mention the thousands (millions?) who train all their life and fall short. What's the difference in with those who medal and those don't achieve their goal? There is certainly physical ability, but that only goes so far. It is a positive attitude. We all know people in our lives, hopefully ourselves, that set goals and create a positive behavioral change through a positive attitude. A positive attitude gets us out of bed in the morning; it forces us to look for the good in people and situations; it keeps us focused; and it allows us to ask, why not me?

There are millions of people who have positive attitudes and create a better life for themselves. There are just as many (seemingly more) whose attitudes are sour and become victims of their circumstance. Where do you fall? You may never be an Olympian, but you can act like one. Take a look at your attitude and make it positive.