Psychologist William James said 'That which holds our attention determines our actions'.

Dear friends,

It is another great opportunity for me to share my thoughts and experience with you. Thank you for those who responded to my last newsletter on health, the well wishes and all the flowers! Today I would like to write on attitude, for a right and positive attitude is essential for the best results. My one week stay at the hospital provided me good surroundings for thinking. The hospital had a good prayer room in which I was able to sit and accumulate good thoughts.

An attitude is more than a mood. Your attitude determines your behaviour. That is why it is very important to have a good attitude. Some time ago I made a decision to maintain a good attitude and good way of thinking. This has resulted in changes that have brought growth in the things I am involved in. It has also influenced not only my actions, but my mental and spiritual growth as well. Sometimes things might go different from what we had expected. This could result in disappointment, hurt or anger. It is up to you to make a decision not to let that situation ruin your day or life. You can decide to make the best out of the situation irrespective of how painful or helpless the situation may appear. As human beings we feel pain and get disappointed. We sometimes have negative experiences, but we should not let that destruct our plans or focus. Just recently I dealt with a sensitive political issue, which required my immediate attention. With God on my side, I managed to reso lve it in peace. I am an emotional person with a strong character, without having learnt to have the right mental attitude, it would have been impossible for me to solve the issue calmly.

A friend and a mentor had previously insisted on the importance of changing attitudes which don't bring the best results in life. There were areas that I also needed to change. Change can be uncomfortable but it gives you an opportunity to grow, gain knowledge and achieve even more in life. Enough evidence from most successful people have proven that it all starts in the head, with the right way of thinking and the right attitude. That is good news, it is all within yourself! Don't make your surroundings an excuse preventing you from achieving your dreams or living a happy life. Watch the movie 'Sea Biscuit', don't say "it is just a movie". The movie will encourage you. Sea Biscuit has a good message; good attitudes bring good results, right thinking, belief in ones own potential, the right balance in life, fall but stand up and try again for the sky is the limit.

In August this year while I was answering questions on a live TV program in Tanzania, a viewer called and said that he believes having success in life, has more to do with luck. Some are luckier to be born rich. My answer to him was simple, whichever condition one is born into, raised in or is still in, with the right thinking, attitude and planning, you have the right resources for personal growth and the growth of your society. It doesn't matter how blessed or lucky you are, if you are not prepared to use the opportunities or gifts coming your way, they will pass you by. Remember the message from the bible that even the little entrusted to you will be taken away and added to those who will productively use it.

I like being around positive and productive people, for they help me grow. One of the people I like being around is my dear friend, Senator Hermann Bühlbecker. I have realized I can learn a lot about business from him. Senator Bühlbecker was elected Entrepreneur of the year 2002 in Germany. He is the CEO of The Lambertz Group of Companies in Germany, a business that has survived over 300 years! My desire is to use my God given talent to succeed even outside the fashion industry and being around him has helped me grow. His unique ways make him the successful business man he is. He is always well prepared, always punctual, very reliable and you find him at the right places, with the right people and at the right time. Once I was trying to win a campaign to promote his products on TV, and I was curious to find out how his products can sell so well without TV and magazine advertisement. He answered that he promotes directly with people. That was the best answer. You have to deal with the people, with those who you are targeting to buy your products. His clients range from presidents, royal families, to the next door neighbour. Again, good attitude!

We have heard many success stories like those of Mary Kay or Bill Gates. I am still growing and count the right attitude as one of my resources. In chapter 13 of Zig Ziglar's book 'See you at the top', there is a diagram of someone climbing the stairs. I have memorized that diagram. There are six stairs before the doors, self image, your relationship with others, goals, attitude, work and desire. The door he was walking towards was marked health, wealth, happiness, friends, growth, security, leisure, freedom and opportunity. So, my friend, are you ready to climb those stairs? with the right mindset and attitude? If the answer is yes, then see you at the top. Till next month, exercise the right attitude and make an effort to be around people who influence you positively and help you grow. Endeavour to read books that are encouraging. I recommend 'See You At The Top' by Zig Ziglar, 'Rich Minds, Rich Rewards' by Valorie Burton, 'Thinking For a Change' by John C. Maxwell, 'Maximi ze The Moment' by T.D Jakes, 'Secrets of Exceptional Living' by Joyce Meyer and last but not least 'The African Princess' by myself.

May God keep you.