Now Is the Time to be Grateful
I never was a Marine but I’ve seen Full Metal Jacket six times, about as many times as my friend has been to Afghanistan as a Marine. Frankly his enthralling stories scare the hell out of me. I’m both glad and ashamed I’ve never faced combat.
When The Secret came out I read it like everyone else. And I’m a Disciple. It’s irrefutable. Having a positive attitude has been repeatedly proven to improve performance in nearly all situations. If you want to be truly successful I vehemently encourage having a positive, grateful attitude with a splash of detachment. That way even if you fail, holding on to that strong positive attitude will cloak the failures from your friends. Totally cool, right?
But lately I’ve had misgivings about the message of positive thinking. I’ve noticed a few of my colleagues have been spending more time thinking positive thoughts and being grateful for what little they have left – and less time rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. So I started wondering.. what would the US Marines do?
If you need to lose weight: What would the Marines do? Would they join a Pilates class and hire a nutritionist? Or would they do push-ups and run?
If you need to get a job: What would the Marines do? Would they go on-line and search Craig’s List? Or would they hit the streets and storm a high-rise?
Recently a friend sent me a link to a video on YouTube that I hadn’t seen before. I’m speaking in the video along with a co-worker, Danielle Goldie, about Real Estate and the need for getting out and working. And a year after this interview with Richard Ramos I’m still saying the same thing. Get to work America! (Watch the video.)
The best path to success is a healthy day of honest hard work. Then, when you’re about to fall asleep, think positive thoughts and be grateful you have a bed to sleep in. Some people are reading The Secret from the back seat of their car.
Please feel free to leave comments. Thank you.
Note: Besides being a CFII, MEI, Pilot, I’m a Title Rep. In other words, I sell Title Insurance. Comments made here are my own and do not necessarily belong to my employer; Chicago Title & Escrow.
Chicago Title has been in business for more than 160 years. It’s a company you can trust.
riclippincott 
Ric, You are a definition of someone who has reinvented himself and it’s quite apparent that a positive attitude is one to your main ingredients that fosters change.
Ric, I have always known you to be dedicated and focused in your endeavors. You roll up your sleeves and get on with it! Your positive attitude has inspired me and your flight students. Thank you for giving us all you do. You have no idea how much we value you and we are so glad you walked into our lives. Get ot work America – is right on!
Ric,
I loved reading your article. I have a personal appreciation of your opinion of Marines, as I am soon to be the Mother-In-Law of US Marine Lance Corporal Joshua Robinson. These men and women have a work ethic that so many today have forgotten, or perhaps have never learned.
Thank you for reminding us of the important things in life.