| Dear John, One of the better-known quotes from Henry Ford is, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you’re right." For a long time it's been accepted that your attitude plays a significant role in your success. Documented studies, time after time, have proven that attitudes are more important than facts and it's your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude. Fortunately, attitude is one of those things which can be substantially influenced and controlled. Perhaps the most bizarre choice of attitude ever given in a motivational speech was the one delivered by Coach Bulldog Turner before the final game in the history of the New York Titans. The year was 1962, and this ill-fated team was playing in the now-defunct American Football League when the coach gave this "motivational talk": "There won't be any New York Titans next year, so most of you are playing in your last pro game. Most of you aren't good enough to play anywhere else." Any of you who have played on a team would agree that hearing words like that before you took the field to do battle would undoubtedly result in a less-than-stellar performance. When the person who is supposed to inspire you to give your best effort tells you that he knows you're going to lose and that you're not good enough to play elsewhere, it is demoralizing. We're supposed to be encouraged by those in authority - not discouraged. Incidentally, after that magnificent send-off to play that final game, the Titans went out and got clobbered 44-10. I'm surprised it wasn't worse. Build positive expectations. Encourage those around you, and you’ll certainly find the truth in Dad’s quote: “When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you are making a commitment and a difference in that person’s life.” You were Born to Win, so go ahead and Live to Win, Tom P.S. - Quote of the Day: “You can disagree without being disagreeable.” — Zig Ziglar | 