July 20. “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” (Albert Einstein)

I think of my attitude as the lens through which I see the world, and the filter through which I act in the world. My attitude varies some from day to day, depending on my mood, but overall my attitude is something that I can guide and shape in my life. I can consciously change how I perceive the world, and I can alter my pattern of reaction.

Through it all, my attitude will always be consistent with how others see me, even if it is not consistent with how I WANT others to see me. I can call myself an optimist, but if my prevailing attitude is surly or downtrodden, then that will be what others see of my character.

Einstein today reminds me that if my attitude is weak, then so will my character be. My character, how I stand up to the world and maintain my values, even in the face of adversity, will forever be linked to my attitude. That lens through which I see things, and the filter through which I act, will always betray my true character, even if I want it to be otherwise.

Today is Sunday morning. I am at the dawn of what will be a fun, but challenging week. I work only on Monday and Friday, but those days will be hectic and stressful. On Tuesday through Thursday, my sons, another friend and I are going on a camping trip to a NASCAR race. Whether I sit here next Sunday and see the week in the mirror as a success will depend largely on how my attitude prevails. If I keep up my optimism, and my strong desire to do well in this key project at work, then the fun of the middle of the week will reign supreme. If on Monday and Friday I stumble at work, then that will be what I remember.

This morning my reflection is on my own personal resilience, and how I must keep it strong through the stress of the week at work.