"It isn't how much you know about maintaining a positive attitude that's important," writes Keith Harrell, formerly one of IBM's top training instructors and now a popular speaker, trainer, and consultant. "It's how well, and how consistently, you put that knowledge to use." In Attitude Is Everything, Harrell teaches 10 steps for "an attitude tune-up" that "turns attitude into action." Some of these steps are identifying the attitudes that hold you back or propel you forward, reframing bad attitudes, building supportive relationships, and seeing change as opportunity. Harrell weaves his personal stories into the book, such as turning the disappointment of not being drafted by the NBA after college (which he had fully expected) into skillfully landing a job with IBM, even though he didn't have the qualifications and they weren't hiring at that time. In each section, he discusses an attitude concept, illustrates it with anecdotes, and teaches specific strategies for integrating it into your life--all in an easygoing, friendly, and motivating style. For example, the "Your Attitude Tool Kit" chapter opens with Harrell being notified in junior high school that he had to go to speech therapy for his stuttering, as he had for six years, and using affirmations to cure his stuttering on the spot. Then he teaches nine "Attitude Tools," explaining each one and showing you how to put it into action. --Joan Price

From Publishers Weekly
Harrell, a former IBM sales trainer turned motivational speaker, puts the shine back on the shopworn mantra that positive thinking leads to success. A former college basketball star who redoubled his determination to use his "natural born abilities" after he was left behind by the pro team drafts, Harrell enlisted a cousin who was working for IBM to coach him--in dress code, interview technique and more--until he was ready for an informational interview at Big Blue. Not long afterward, Harrell was hired and began rising through the ranks, becoming one of the company's most sought after sales instructors, despite resistance from his bosses and working for less prestigious divisions. Once he began training employees, Harrell knew he had found his calling. His 10-point program expands on the key principle espoused in the title. It's a simple approach, bolstered by Harrell's relentless optimism: this will be a good day because everything I do and say will make it one. For example, when he learns that he'll be stuck in an airport for two hours, he gets something to eat, calls his grandmother and talks to another passenger, instead of fuming about the delay. All too often, the author believes, we allow a ready set of negative mindsets to come into play. Among his "attitude tune-ups," his evaluation of specific negative words and thought processes are especially helpful. This persuasive manual will be most valuable for individuals who wish to change their outlook toward life and work, rather than managers hoping to change their style. 15-city TV satellite tour; 50-city radio tour; 15-city print satellite tour; 5-city author tour. (Apr.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Wall Street Journal
"Nationwide Speakers Bureau, one of the country's leading lecture agencies, has put Harrell on its list of '22 Guaranteed Standing Ovations.' What sets him apart ... is an attitude that refuses to flag."

Zig Ziglar, author/motivational teacher
"Sound, basic principles for anyone interested in the how-to's ofdeveloping a positive attitude and achieving more in life from a structured program of setting and reaching goals. Here's a good book from a good guy."

Stedman Graham, author of You Can Make It Happen
"Inspiring and comprehensive. Keith Harrell offers not just another motivational book, but step-by-step instructions on how many have benefited by taking responsibility for their own lives. This book is required reading for anyone wishing to tap into his or her potential."

Zig Ziglar, author/motivational teacher
"Sound, basic principles for anyone interested in the how-to's of developing a positive attitude and achieving more in life from a structured program of setting and reaching goals. Here's a good book from a good guy."

Les Brown, author of Live Your Dreams
"A positive attitude is the key to success for all of us, and Keith's book demonstrates life-changing ideas and suggestions for turning attitude into action. This topic is Keith's specialty, so the information contained in the book comes straight from his heart. We all need to hear what he's saying and put it into action in our everyday lives!"

Lenny Wilkins, head coach, Atlanta Hawks
"Attitude Is Everything hits the nail right on the head. The longer we live, the more we will realize the impact our attitude will have on our lives. Keith, your book will certainly make the difference for many."


"Keith Harrell is a tremendous living example of the powerful principles he teaches. An inspiring read."

Book Description
In the world of motivational speakers, Keith Harrell is a star. Clients such as IBM, Coca Cola, and AT&T know it--that's why Keith is one of the most indemand speakers on the circuit. Now, in Attitude is Everything, he shares the secrets that got him where he is today and provides you with a program for developing a healthier, happier attitude.This is an enlightening, inspiring and practical guide for gaining control of your career and your life by ridding yourself of negative attitudinal baggage, building positive attitudes, and then turning them into actions to help you achieve your dreams.Keith Harrell's Ten StepsFor Turning Attitude Into Action: Understand the Power of Attitude Take Control of Your Life Practice Self-Awareness Re-frame Your Bad Attitude Find Your Purpose and Passion Be Pre-Active Discover How to Motivate Yourself Build Supportive Relationships See Change as an Opportunity Leave a Lasting Legacy

Book Info
Offers step-by-step instruction on how many have benefited by taking responsibility for their own lives. Discusses how to gain control of ones' career and life by ridding yourself of negative attitudinal baggage, and building positive attitudes. Audiocassette.

About the Author
Keith Harrell was one of IBM's top training instructors, with more than thirteen years of corporate experience. A nationally acclaimed, award-winning speaker, trainer, and consultant, he is recognized for his innovative and enlightening presentations. Keith has authored a series of video and training tools which enable clients to maximize their personal and professional potential. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In Attitude Is Everything, Keith offers practical guide for gaining control of your career and your life by ridding yourself of negative attitudinal baggage, building positive attitudes, and then turning them into actions to help you achieve your dreams.

Keith developed his methods for putting attitudes into action in the real world of corporate America and, later, as a self-employed professional. He knows what works, and he knows how to help others create positive, empowering attitudes that will help you enjoy a more fulfilling and rewarding life!

FROM THE CRITICS

Zig Ziglar

Sound, basic principles for anyone interested in the how-to's ofdeveloping a positive attitude and achieving more in life from astructured program of setting and reaching goals. Here's a goodbook from a good guy.

Stedman Graham

Inspiring and comprehensive. Keith Harrell offers not just anothermotivational book, but step-by-step instructions on how many have benefited by taking responsibility for their own lives. This book is required reading for anyone wishing to tap into his or her potential.

Les Brown

A positive attitude is the key to success for all of us, and Keith'sbook demonstrates life-changing ideas and suggestions for turningattitude into action. This topic is Keith's specialty, so theinformation contained in the book comes straight from his heart.We all need to hear what he's saying and put it into action in oureveryday lives!

Stephen Covey

Keith Harrell is a tremendous living example of the powerful principles he teaches. An inspiring read.

Wall Street Journal