By: Courtney G. Clifford

In a previous post, we explored the foundational role of mindset—that internal framework of beliefs and assumptions we carry about ourselves and the world. We examined how consciously choosing a growth-oriented mindset can lay the groundwork for success in any endeavor. But if mindset is the foundation, then attitude is the structure we build on top of it.

It’s often said that attitude is everything—and to some degree, that’s true. Attitude governs how we show up in daily life, how we respond to people and challenges, and how others experience us. But it doesn’t stand alone. Before you can consistently choose and maintain a positive, resilient attitude, you must first do the deeper work of examining your mindset.

This post explores the distinction between mindset and attitude, why attitude plays a crucial role in how we move through the world, and how intentionally choosing our attitude can have a transformative ripple effect on our lives and the lives of those around us.

Mindset vs. Attitude: What’s the Difference?

Although the terms mindset and attitude are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent different layers of our internal world. Mindset is the deep-seated belief system that influences how we interpret and engage with life. It’s more fixed in the short term, more like a lens through which we see. On the other hand, attitude is more moment-to-moment: it reflects how we feel, behave, and react based on that deeper mindset.

Think of it this way: mindset is the operating system running in the background, and attitude is the app you're actively using. Your mindset shapes your default settings—how you perceive challenges, success, or feedback—while your attitude reflects how you respond in the present moment.

For example, someone with a growth mindset may face a tough day at work and still choose a positive, hopeful attitude because they believe in their ability to grow through the challenge. Meanwhile, someone with a fixed mindset might allow frustration or defeat to shape their attitude negatively.

In short: mindset is the “why,” and attitude is the “how.” You may believe you can grow and improve (mindset), but how you act on that belief each day is governed by your attitude.

Why Attitude Matters

You’ve likely heard the phrase “Attitude is everything.” While it’s not literally everything—your mindset, habits, and choices also matter—it is a powerful driver of your experience and impact.

Attitude is the outward expression of your inner world. It colors your interactions, your decisions, and your energy. A positive attitude can open doors, spark creativity, and strengthen relationships. A negative one can just as easily shut those doors, limit possibility, and create tension in your environment.

Research in positive psychology consistently shows that a positive attitude isn’t just feel-good fluff—it has tangible benefits. For example, Fredrickson’s (2001) Broaden-and-Build Theory explains how positive emotions (which are closely tied to attitude) expand our awareness, increase our cognitive flexibility, and build lasting personal resources, including resilience and social connection.

In other words, choosing a positive attitude doesn’t just feel better—it helps you think better, solve problems more effectively, and connect more deeply with others.

And it works both ways. According to a study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, employees with positive attitudes tend to influence the emotional states of coworkers, creating more supportive, cooperative work environments (Barsade & Gibson, 2007). Attitude is contagious; for better or worse.

The Ripple Effect of Attitude

Throughout my life, I’ve learned that checking in with my attitude has a ripple effect on everything I’m facing. Whether it's a stressful day, a tense interaction, or a high-pressure deadline, how I choose to frame and approach the moment has a powerful influence on the outcome—not just for me, but for those around me.

For instance, imagine waking up late and spilling coffee on your shirt before work. You can carry a negative attitude into your day—irritated, snappy, and convinced things will only get worse—or you can pause, reset, and choose a different perspective: “Okay, that happened. But I can let it go and move on.”

This small shift doesn’t just affect your mood; it impacts how you interact with others, your productivity, and even your health. Studies have shown that cultivating a positive attitude can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and increase overall life satisfaction (Boehm & Kubzansky, 2012).

In relationships, the effect is even more pronounced. Choosing a generous, optimistic attitude in a conversation—especially during conflict—can turn confrontation into connection. You create psychological safety, invite collaboration, and model emotional intelligence.

We Don’t Have to Choose Our Attitude—But We Can

Here’s what makes attitude so powerful: while we can’t always control circumstances, we do have the power to choose how we show up. And that is a privilege.

We don’t always feel like we want to choose a good attitude—sometimes we’d rather stew in frustration, sadness, or resentment. But we can. We can pause, reflect, and reset. This ability to choose is what separates emotional reactivity from emotional maturity.

And the goal isn’t to be toxically positive or pretend hard things aren’t hard. A healthy attitude acknowledges the struggle but still moves forward with courage, compassion, and hope. Choosing a good attitude isn’t about denying reality—it’s about deciding how we engage with it.

In Viktor Frankl’s famous words, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Frankl survived extreme trauma, yet still believed in the power of this choice. If he could choose his attitude in that environment, so can we.

Practical Tools to Cultivate a Strong, Positive Attitude

Just as we can train our mindset, we can also cultivate and strengthen a positive, grounded attitude through daily practice. Here are a few strategies to help:

Start with awareness. Pause throughout the day to ask, “What’s my current attitude?” This one question can shift your trajectory in seconds.
Practice gratitude. Even during hard times, identifying a few things you're thankful for can recalibrate your mindset and lift your attitude.
Use affirming language. The words we use shape our emotional state. Replace phrases like “I can’t handle this” with “I’ll figure this out.”
Surround yourself with positive influences. Attitudes are contagious—spend time with people who lift you up and model resilience.
Reset with movement or breath. If you feel stuck in a negative attitude, take a walk, stretch, or try deep breathing. Shifting your body helps shift your mind.
Visualize the ripple. Imagine how your attitude will affect your family, colleagues, or friends. That vision can often motivate a reset.

Attitude in Action: Real-Life Reflection

Let’s return to the example of the athlete from our previous mindset blog. Imagine this athlete—let’s call her Maya—has done the mindset work. She believes she can improve with effort and has trained accordingly. But the morning of the race, she’s feeling off: nerves, doubts, and discomfort creep in.

This is where attitude becomes her secret weapon. Maya can spiral into negativity, focusing on everything that feels wrong—or she can pause, take a breath, and consciously choose how she’ll approach the race. She reminds herself of her preparation, focuses on what she can control, and adopts a mindset of courage and curiosity.

That shift in attitude doesn’t erase the nerves; it reframes them. She runs not with dread, but with determination. And regardless of the outcome, she finishes the race with her integrity and spirit intact.

That’s the power of attitude; it amplifies the strength of your mindset and channels it into meaningful action.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Attitude as an Act of Service

Ultimately, choosing your attitude is more than a personal development exercise. It’s a way of serving the world around you.

When you show up with grace in a hard moment, you give others permission to do the same. When you bring patience into a chaotic environment, you become a source of calm. When you choose curiosity instead of judgment, you foster understanding. These moments may seem small, but they matter deeply.

So no, we don’t have to choose a good attitude. But what an incredible opportunity we have each day to be a force for resilience, compassion, and hope. That’s a privilege. And it’s one worth honoring.

Let’s use the power of attitude for good because it doesn’t just help us, it benefits everyone we come in contact with.

References

Barsade, S. G., & Gibson, D. E. (2007). Why does affect matter in organizations? Academy of Management Perspectives, 21(1), 36–59. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2007.24286163

Boehm, J. K., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2012). The heart's content: The association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological Bulletin, 138(4), 655–691. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027448

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The Broaden-and-Build Theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218

Attitude is Everything- but only after Mindset