Victor Frank, the author of Man’s Search for Meaning, once wrote, “Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances. Frank was right. Attitude is a choice. You could be faced with a thousand problems, many or most over which you have absolutely no control. However, there is always one thing you are in complete and absolute control of and that is your own attitude.

To be honest, it wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I finally understood its full impact. All through my teens and into my early adult life, I can’t tell you the number of times that I heard, “Bob, if you’d just change your attitude, you would do a lot better.” At that time, I didn’t know what attitude was, let alone know how to change it!

Attitude and results are inseparable. They follow one another as night follows day. One is the cause, while the other, the result. There is a term we use to distinguish this “cause and effect” relationship, which is called the Law of Cause and Effect. Simply stated, if you think in negative terms, you will get negative results; if you think in positive terms, you will achieve positive results. Some people always see wrong things in the world. These individuals are quick to blame circumstances or other people for their problems, rather than accepting responsibility for their life and their attitude. Thus, it would appear as if they were born with bad luck and it has followed them around their whole life. However, there are others who are forever winning and living the good life. They are the real movers and shakers who make things happen. They seem to go from one major accomplishment to another. They’re in control of their life. Their wins are a matter of choice.

You can experience that kind of life as well, you only need to decide. Dorothea Brand once said, “Act as if it were impossible to fail,” and I challenge you to do so. By simply becoming aware that you can choose your thoughts each and every day, you will change your entire outlook. You have the power to choose an abundant life no matter what your circumstances are. Don’t wait to experience all the wonderful things the universe has in store for you. Start today by working on your attitude and welcome the abundant life that you are meant to lead.