If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote conveys a proactive and empowering approach towards dealing with dissatisfaction or adversity. It suggests that when faced with something undesirable or beyond our control, we have the power to take action either by changing the situation or by changing our attitude towards it. It conveys the idea that we have the ability to influence our own experiences and reactions to the circumstances we encounter in life. It encourages a mindset of personal agency and resilience, and emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of our choices and attitudes.
Who said the quote?
The quote "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." was said by Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
What's the quote's message?
The quote, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude," outlines a practical approach to dealing with dissatisfaction or discontentment in life. It encourages proactive change, and when that's not possible, a shift in perspective.
The first half, "If you don't like something, change it," suggests taking charge of your circumstances. If something is causing dissatisfaction, and it's within your power to alter it, then you should do so. This part advocates for proactive problem-solving and taking responsibility for your happiness.
The second half, "If you can't change it, change your attitude," acknowledges that not all circumstances are within our control. In such cases, rather than dwelling in dissatisfaction, the quote advises adjusting our perspective. By changing how we perceive and respond to the situation, we can transform our emotional experience of it.
In essence, this quote proposes a two-step solution for dealing with dissatisfaction in life. It encourages personal agency by urging you to change unsatisfactory circumstances when you can, and adaptability by suggesting a shift in perspective when you cannot. It underlines the idea that happiness often lies within our response to life's situations, rather than the situations themselves.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The life and philosophy of Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, exemplify the message of the quote, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
Frankl endured the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps during World War II, where he witnessed unimaginable suffering and loss. Despite the unimaginable horrors he faced, Frankl developed a profound understanding of the power of human resilience and the ability to find meaning even in the most dire circumstances.
Frankl believed that while we may not always have control over external events, we always have the freedom to choose our attitude towards them. He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and the power of our mindset in shaping our experiences and responses to life's challenges.
In the concentration camps, Frankl observed that those who maintained a sense of purpose and meaning, even in the face of extreme suffering, were more likely to survive and find inner strength. He discovered that by shifting their attitudes, individuals could find resilience and hope even amidst the darkest of circumstances.
After his liberation, Frankl went on to develop logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals find meaning and purpose in life. He believed that by identifying and pursuing meaningful goals, individuals could overcome adversity and lead fulfilling lives.
Frankl's teachings remind us that while we may not always have control over external events, we always have the power to choose our response. If we encounter something we don't like or cannot change, Frankl encourages us to shift our attitude and perspective. By reframing our mindset, we can find strength, resilience, and meaning even in the face of challenging circumstances.
Frankl's own life is a testament to the transformative power of changing one's attitude. Despite enduring immense suffering, he chose to focus on the meaning and purpose he could derive from his experiences, using them to inform his work and contribute to the well-being of others.
The message conveyed by the quote aligns closely with Frankl's philosophy, reminding us that we have agency in our lives and the ability to shape our experiences through our attitudes. By adopting a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to finding meaning, we can navigate life's challenges with greater strength and grace.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" by Maya Angelou offers a practical and empowering approach to dealing with challenges and dissatisfaction in real-life scenarios. It encourages individuals to take proactive steps to improve their circumstances and mindset. Here's how this quote can be applied in various situations:
1. Personal Growth: In personal life, the quote encourages individuals to identify areas they are unhappy with and take steps to change them. Whether it's pursuing a new career path, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or improving relationships, the quote reminds us that we have the power to take charge of our lives and create positive changes.
2. Workplace Environment: If someone is unhappy in their job or faces challenges at work, they can apply the quote by seeking solutions. This may involve addressing concerns with management, seeking opportunities for growth within the organization, or considering a career change. If changing the job is not immediately possible, changing their attitude towards their current role and finding ways to derive fulfillment from it can lead to a more positive work experience.
3. Relationships: In personal relationships, the quote encourages open communication and working towards resolution if issues arise. If the relationship is toxic or harmful, individuals can make the difficult decision to distance themselves from negativity and prioritize their well-being.
4. Coping with Adversity: The quote is a reminder that sometimes circumstances are beyond our control, but our attitude towards them matters. In times of adversity, maintaining a positive outlook and finding ways to cope and adapt can lead to greater resilience and emotional well-being.
5. Acceptance and Letting Go: There are situations where we cannot change the outcome or the behavior of others. In such cases, the quote advises accepting what cannot be changed and shifting our attitude to find peace and contentment within ourselves.
6. Social Change: On a broader scale, the quote can be applied to inspire individuals to take action to address social issues they are passionate about. If they see something they don't like in society, they can actively contribute to positive change through advocacy, volunteering, or supporting relevant causes.
7. Mindfulness: The quote can also be applied to everyday mindfulness. By being aware of our thoughts and feelings, we can recognize when negative attitudes arise and choose to change them towards a more positive and constructive outlook.
In summary, the quote "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" encourages individuals to be proactive and take control of their lives. It empowers them to seek positive solutions, make necessary changes, and adopt a constructive attitude when faced with challenges. By applying this quote, individuals can create a more fulfilling and contented life, even amidst difficulties and limitations.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
