An attitude modifier is an adjective for the noun “attitude.” A fill-in-the-blank attitude. The modifiers describe the attitudes that become the “characteristics” which shape and define the content of your character. They are descriptors of how you will act and react in any circumstance. It is imperative that you “know thy modifiers.”
Here are examples: a positive attitude, an optimistic attitude, a good attitude, a friendly attitude, a happy attitude, a confident attitude, a respectful attitude, a Christ-like attitude, an unselfish attitude and, of course, many, many more.
The focus is always on the “good” modifiers. Each good modifier has an opposite (example: good or bad, right or wrong, optimistic or pessimistic), but don’t spend any time focusing on the bad ones. Just know whether they are good or bad. If it’s bad, change the bad behavior to good and it’s done. It works instantaneously. Try it out to see how it works. Example: When you’re stuck in traffic and want to get impatient and uptight, just say to yourself (or even out loud) “be patient” and the distress just “goes away.” (Patience- Steadfast and calm despite opposition, difficulty, adversity or inconvenience; a good attitude when waiting).
Target only the good modifiers that you will use to design or enhance the content of your character. You’re either happy “or” you’re not. You’re motivated “or” you aren’t, etc. There is no need to add negative modifiers to your already limited vocabulary. Fill it up with good modifiers.
Note that “unselfish” is a good trait unlike most of the others with “un” prefixes; unfriendly, untrustworthy, as well as the prefixes “im” (example: immoral), “ir” (example: irresponsible), “in” (example: inconsiderate), or “dis” (example: disrespectful). They all mean “not.”
The suffix “ful” also applies: hateful, sinful, spiteful (which means you are full of whatever that is). Note that “disrespectful” gets the double whammy of a prefix and a suffix as does “ungrateful” and others. Avoid these poisons at all costs, unless you enjoy feeling and acting this way.
Also note that “integrity” is a landmark attitude and character trait. Defined: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. There is no adjective for integrity to modify the noun attitude, so let the word stand for itself. Be a person of great integrity.
Avoid all the negative modifiers that don’t define what you want to be. Focus only on good and all the modifiers that represent good. Recognize the bad ones when you act them act out and immediately either stop acting bad and/or start acting good.
Be intentional in the design and improvement of your character. It defines who you are, whose you are and how you live your life.
Examples of good and bad modifiers from A to Z:
Here’s an Attitude Rule we will look at later, but note the “good” modifiers: “There is only one rule for relationships and it’s golden… Always be friendly, kind, polite, respectful and fair to everyone, including yourself, unconditionally.” Here’s another rule about the essential attitudes for success: Disciplined, confident, motivated, determined, and tough-minded. That’s 10 modifiers already. Here are some more good/bad modifiers: Positive or negative, right or wrong, optimistic or pessimistic, enthusiastic or apathetic, caring or uncaring,
I used to tell my baseball players that a powerful, positive, fearless mindset is a dangerous thing in a baseball game… as in life and the truth is, you can play it (and live it) like that all the time. It all begins with the way you choose to think.
The quality of your performance tends to gravitate toward the expectations. Always look for the good and expect the best. Why not? What are we going to, look for the bad and expect the worst? You don’t think about what you don’t want to do or you’ll find out you’re a prophet.
Use these and more to create your landmark attitudes.
“The adjectives (modifiers) used to describe a person’s attitude speaks volumes about the content of his or her character.” RAC
(Latest Revision: September, 2024)
theattituderules.com 