The Difference Maker- by John C. Maxwell - Audiobook

Introduction

Chapter 1: Where Did You Get Your Attitude?

Have you ever heard someone say, “Attitude is everything?” It seems to be a favorite line of some motivational speakers. According to them, a great attitude is all you need to be successful. Unfortunately, that’s simply not true. While I do a lot of professional speaking each year—communicating at live events to 250,000 people—I prefer to think of myself as a motivational teacher rather than a motivational speaker. A motivational speaker may make you feel good, but the next day you might not know why. In contrast, a motivational teacher imparts something that can genuinely help you.

Attitude is not everything, but it is the one thing that can make a significant difference in your life. W. Clement Stone, a businessman, philanthropist, and author, noted that there is little difference in people; the little difference is attitude, and whether it’s positive or negative is the big difference.

The purpose of this book is to help you understand where your attitude comes from, what it can or cannot do for you, and how you can make it an asset. I also want to provide insight into how to deal with the "big five" attitude obstacles: discouragement, change, problems, fear, and failure. If you’re like most people, you’ll encounter at least one of these issues every day.

What is Attitude?

Attitude is, in essence, an inward feeling expressed through outward behavior. People tend to project externally what they feel internally. While some people try to mask their attitudes, this rarely lasts long—attitudes will always find a way to express themselves. An example is shared about a boy who, after being placed in timeout, insists he is "standing up on the inside."

Your attitude influences every aspect of your life, acting as a paintbrush that can either create a vibrant masterpiece or a dark canvas. It is the Vanguard of your true self, affecting how people perceive you and how you interact with the world.

Where Does Your Attitude Come From?

Your attitude is significantly influenced by several factors:

1. Personality: Each individual is unique, even if raised in similar environments. Your personality type undoubtedly plays a part in shaping your attitude.
2. Environment: The environment you grow up in can influence your attitude, whether due to familial issues or socio-economic factors.
3. Expression of Others: The words and actions of those around you, both positive and negative, can leave lasting impacts on your attitude.
4. Self-Image: How you perceive yourself has a major influence on your attitude. If you view yourself negatively, it’s hard to see the world positively.
5. Exposure to Growth Opportunities: Those given opportunities to grow and learn are more likely to develop a positive outlook.
6. Associations with Peers: Your friends and the people you surround yourself with heavily affect your attitude.
7. Beliefs: Your thoughts create your belief system, significantly influencing your attitude.
8. Choices: Your attitude is ultimately a choice. You have the power to decide how you will approach different situations in life.

Ultimately, while circumstances can shape your attitude, you have the power to make choices about how you respond.

Chapter 2: What Your Attitude Cannot Do for You

An article in USA Today highlights issues university professors face with students who have high self-esteem but lack reality-based skills. Successful individuals know that belief alone will not bring success. Attitude may give you an edge, but it cannot substitute for competence or experience, cannot change facts, and cannot replace the necessity for personal growth.

Attitude Limitations

1. Your Attitude Cannot Substitute for Competence: Attitude can make you pleasant and more likely to solve problems, but it will not impress employers without required skills.
2. Your Attitude Cannot Substitute for Experience: Experience is often the best teacher. You can hire someone with the experience you lack if you want satisfactory results.
3. Your Attitude Cannot Change Facts: Certain facts in life are unavoidable. No matter your attitude, you cannot change certain realities.
4. Your Attitude Cannot Substitute for Personal Growth: Maintaining a good attitude does not suffice if you fail to grow personally.
5. Your Attitude Will Not Stay Good Automatically: Attitude needs continued attention; it can deteriorate without daily management.

Chapter 3: What Your Attitude Can Do for You

Attitude is a major differentiator in success. It impacts your approach to life, your relationships, and your ability to face challenges. While we might not realize it, our perspective on success and failures hinges on our attitude.

Positive Attitude Benefits

• Approach to Life: People who expect good things tend to attract good opportunities.
• Building Relationships: Positive attitudes help in forming effective relationships, as noted at Southwest Airlines.
• Facing Challenges: A good attitude enables us to confront challenges assertively.

Chapter 10: The Difference Maker in Your Life

A positive attitude can be the Difference Maker not just for your life, but also for the lives of others. It’s essential to make the decision to let the Difference Maker guide your life and daily actions.

Five Key Principles on How to Harness the Difference Maker

1. Choose Attitude Daily: Remember, attitude is a conscious choice.
2. Manage Your Decision: You must actively manage your attitude and its influence on your actions.
3. Overcome Adversity: Face challenges head-on instead of allowing them to hinder you.
4. Help Others Find Their Differences: Share your journey and attitude with those around you.

Keywords

• Attitude
• Perspective
• Change
• Problems
• Fear
• Failure
• Competence
• Experience

FAQ

1. What is the main message of "The Difference Maker"?

   • The book emphasizes the importance of attitude as a significant factor in determining success and how it can be the Difference Maker in life and the lives of others.

2. What are the "big five" attitude obstacles?

   • The "big five" obstacles are discouragement, change, problems, fear, and failure.

3. How can attitude influence relationships?

   • A positive attitude can lead to better communication, improved relationships, and greater empathy toward others.

4. Can attitude be managed daily?

   • Yes, daily management of your attitude is essential. It requires ongoing awareness and adjustment as situations arise.

5. What can I do to develop a positive attitude?

   • Identify the areas that control your attitude, embrace change, and actively choose to focus on the positive aspects of life and growth opportunities.