Attitude Quotient

The ability to maintain a positive attitude through the most adverse times is your attitude quotient (AQ). If you look at all the high achievers in life they have a high AQ. They may have a high intelligent quotient (IQ) or high emotional intelligence (EI); however if one takes away their AQ their success would not be at their current level. With a high IQ and low AQ, an individual’s chance of reaching their objective substantially lowers. For instance, Thomas Edison’s quote, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work,” is an excellent approach to overcoming failure. He is known for his successes and would not have achieved them without the proper attitude about his failures. One could argue that someone that lacked his IQ level with a high AQ would be unable to achieve his success. This could be correct,nevertheless, an individual with a higher IQ level and subpar AQ will never achieve his success. The right attitude gets a person to focus day in and day out, to work when the lights are off to improve themselves and become a champion, not just the skills and ability.

All three, your emotional intelligence, intelligent quotient and attitude are very important to have, but if I had to pick one I would pick AQ. AQ is the foundation in which IQ and EI are built. IQ and EI will determine someone’s potential, but that potential will never be reached without a high AQ. How many people do you know who are brilliant and do not possess the proper attitude to reach their potential? “Winners, I am convinced, imagine their dreams first. They want it with all their heart & expect it to come true,” stated Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Joe Montana. This quote does not mention IQ or EQ, it deals directly with the individuals AQ. Now not all of us may be blessed with the athletic ability of Joe Montana, but why can we not use that same attitude and apply it to our strengths to become a hall of famer in our passion. I am convinced that the most successful individuals have a higher AQ than any other variable

Whether it is through quotes, speaking with someone positive, reading books or participating in physical activity, we need to grow our AQ in order to see ourselves grow exponentially. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel states, “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” What do you think passion is? Your attitude. As John C. Maxwell stated, “If I were to wish for my children to have an abundance of any of three, I would prefer AQ.” The ability to think positive not only enhances ones gifts, but allows them to see the stars on the darkest nights.