Kindness Is the Difference

I receive a "Positive Moment" from the Wendling Group every couple of days in my inbox. They are really great reminders about human nature, personal excellence and leadership. This mornings' "Postive Moment" was particularly good. It contained a quote that really moved me, inspired this post in fact:

"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." W. Clement Stone

I believe there is truth in his statement of belief. And I believe the simplicity of that truth is profound and transformational. There is very little that separates us from each other, literally. Some scientists estimate that we are 88% genetically alike, while others estimate the difference to be less than 1%. Whatever the difference, it isn't much and the point is, we are more alike than we are different. So, I guess Stone would say that 1% is either positive or negative attitude. I would divide the 1% even further because I would add effort.

Generally we have limited control over circumstances, but we have complete control over our attitude and effort. This is big, very big. The level of contribution (effort) each of us chooses to make reflects our attitude in any given situation. I would suggest, however, that kindness (a fruit of the spirit/positive attitude) above all other virtues, has the power to transform those whose 1% is negative. It recognizes the best in everyone, even when the best is deeply buried beneath the negativity. Which is why we must deliberately choose kindness.


Here is a great set of stories from band #105998. Type the # into the Dak code box, click GO, make sure you click on the orange band # (underneath the map) again, to see ALL the stories associated with the band!