How do you spell success? A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

The best part is that if you were to ask that same person whether or not he had a bad attitude, he would flat out deny it, perhaps even get angry that you would even suggest such a thing.

Yeah, great attitude, buddy. Thankfully, that is not you, right?

You may think you have a positive attitude, hey, you may even actually have one. But do you have a champion’s attitude? More importantly, do you even know the difference?

A positive attitude is someone who processes and pushes out thoughts in a positive way. When something goes wrong, they do not brood, but say, “Well, I did what I could. I am sure it will be better next time.”

If this is you, well done. In today’s world, it is not easy. We have had the Baby-boomers, Generation X. I like to think of this generation, especially in the business world, as The Grumblers.

New manager? He only got it because he is friends with the Director. New operating procedure? The old one was better (even though they griped about that one, too). And never mind what happens if a new pay structure is put into place.

We are all subject to highs and lows, but it is what we do with them, how we respond to them, and how we project this to the outside world that differentiates us.

So what is the difference between a Champion’s Attitude, or what world-reknowned sales coach Jeffrey Gitomer calls a YES! Attitude and a positive attitude?

When you have a Champion’s Attitude, everything you do, even when you are not able to help someone, will be done from the Yes side of the coin.

No stock? Your delivery is important to us, I have made this a priority and anything and everything that can be done is being done. You will be kept in the loop at every stage.

A change in policy you do not like? The company is trying to move in a direction that leads to long-term growth for all parties involved. I am committed to maximizing this opportunity, and if it still does not work, using it as a spring board to continue my growth and move on.

Lay-offs? See above. Very rarely do people get laid-off without some kind of package. Use it to learn something you have always wanted to do, and move towards creating your future in something you love.

At the end of the day, how you look at things defines what you will see. When you start with the mind of a Champion, nothing is a stumbling block, it is a challenge. One of my favourite sayings is “When you believe it, you will see it.” I would take that and twist it to read, “When you start as a champion, you can not help but be one.”

This week’s Cold Call is about taking steps to get the Champion’s Attitude. Here are some simple steps.

- Start every day with some quiet time, about 15 minutes will do, reading positive, energizing books or articles. No news until after breakfast, no newspaper until you are on the train. Set the tone of the day the way you want your day to go.

- Do some light exercise or stretching for 10-15 minutes. Work the kinks out from the time you were asleep because carrying that around could come back to haunt you later.

- Avoid water-cooler gossip. And at your desk griping. And on the phone whining. It gets you nowhere.

- Get away from the rat race for 10 -15 minutes in the morning and again in the afternoon. Get some air, release the stress.

- Leave your work at the office. At least until you have had time to settle down, have some dinner, and play with the kids.

- Make the last thing you do each night be centered around the positive. Some more reading, meditation, a slow stroll.

Having a Champions Attitude all the time is not easy, nor is having a positive attitude. You will have to work at it, for a long time. I do it every day, and I am getting closer. and the closer I get, the easier it becomes.

Have a great sales week!