In thinking about how to begin this chapter on attitude, one of my favorite quotes by Charles Swindoll came to mind. I like this quote because it really hits home with so many of the things we deal with in everyday life.
“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.” Swindoll goes on to say that the one remarkable trait we have a choice about is the attitude we will embrace for that day. It’s true! We get wrapped up in what happens to us instead of focusing on the things we can make happen—with a positive attitude. I get teased quite a bit by a lot of friends who say that I always seem to be up and have a positive outlook on life with my “happy go lucky” approach and a seemingly ever present smile on my face. I’m not overly Pollyannaish by any means, but I learned a long time ago that it takes more muscles in your face to make a frown than it does to make a smile, so why not smile! I remain optimistic and keep a positive attitude, despite what’s going on around me. That doesn’t mean that I just sit around and take what life has in store for me; it means doing my part to make life even better. It helps to have a positive and optimistic attitude.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
