Problem or Predicament?

According to John C. Maxwell, a problem can be solved and a predicament cannot.

He wrote several books, including one called The Difference Maker. I am listening to the audio version. In it he advises that there is no reason to worry about a predicament, as it cannot be changed. He has a checklist in order to determine whether it is a problem or a predicament. He also advises that a problem will have several solutions and that a problem anticipated is not really a problem, but an opportunity.

There is a very helpful chapter about Fear, and another about how to handle Change as well as motivate others to implement it.

And he reveals the origin of many stories I have heard about how to determine which will prevail, Faith or Fear. I have heard this story illustrated with wolves. It is truly a legend, that is hard to trace. It may have multiple sources, in fact.

Here it is:

Two natures beat within my breast,
the one is foul, the other blessed.
The one I love, the other I hate.
The one I feed will dominate.

According to Maxwell, the difference maker is your attitude. And he believes that a positive attitude can be cultivated.

That reminds me of one of my favorite quotations:

If you can't change your fate, change your ATTITUDE.

Amy Tan

You don't know Jack!

"Thoughts are things. Negativity is what kills you," Jack often says. And he means it! The prime directive of the Self Master is control over the mind and emotions, and Jack is indeed a master. For him, self-control is the key to liberation: "It's tough to do, but you've got to work at living, you know? Most people work at dying, but anybody can die; the easiest thing on this earth is to die. But to live takes guts; it takes energy, vitality; it takes thought. . . . We have so many negative influences out there that are pulling us down. . . . You've got to be strong to overcome these adversities . . . that's why I never stop." Jack's one-dimensional yoga is one-dimensional, but his example is indeed remarkable. And while surrender and spiritual depth almost never seem to be acquaintances of the Self Masters, the utter simplicity and indomitable spirit they embody may pose almost as great a challenge to the ego as enlightenment itself. How many of us can claim to know the peace of mind and purity of heart of one such as Jack LaLanne?

Wow! I can’t believe I found this on a website for Jack LaLanne. He’s 94 and still going strong. Wonder if it has anything to do with his positive attitude?

You don't know Jack??!! He was the first guy to do exercise on TV!