Choose Your Attitude.

 

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

 

In 2024, Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines football team had one of the best seasons in college football history, culminating with a National Championship victory. 


But what caught my interest with this team was a locker room scene hearing Coach Harbaugh yelling “Who’s got it better than us?” And the team responding “No-body!” I even saw him lead the entire crowd after a win on the field! 


When they won the championship, Jim brought his Dad Jack onstage to lead the chant because he started the entire concept when his boys were little. Legend has it that when the family couldn’t afford a car and had to walk somewhere, his Dad would lead them and Jim and his brother John would trail behind with the response.


Talk about choosing your attitude.


And that attitude and perspective on life is probably a big part of why the entire family has enjoyed so much success with National Titles and Super Bowl Trophies. 


In Psalm 118:24, David created the concept when he started his day saying, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” In other words – ”who’s got it better than us? No-body!” 


David wrote that Psalm surrounded by enemies. He was rejected by people who should have had his back. Yet he chose his attitude in spite of his challenges.


He didn’t ignore his circumstances. But he refused to let those circumstances ruin his perspective. Something tells me that choosing your attitude is even more important when things aren’t going your way. 


Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a decision. And you have to make that decision not only at the start of every day, but moment by moment throughout. 


Recognizing that every day is a gift and then rejoicing and being glad in it, regardless of circumstances, is the secret to good leadership. You will set the cultural expectation for the entire program and transform attitudes along the way. 


 
  1. List three things you're tempted to complain about right now. Rewrite each one as a statement of gratitude.
  2. In what ways has your joy been tied to your circumstances instead of to a decision you make to choose your attitude?


As a leader, when did your team last hear gratitude from you instead of pressure? Choose one thing today and say it out loud: “Who's got it better than us?” Nobody.

 

SportsLife + YouTube

This is Life! Podcast: 
Guest Thomas Williams

From NFL Linebacker to Life Changer

 

"Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions." – Zig Ziglar


"It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." – Epictetus


"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." – Winston Churchill

 
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