Growing up, my father always told me, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’ll be right 100% of the time.”

I believe this mentality has prepared me for a successful life, showing me that I create my own destiny and can do anything I set my mind to. Mostly, because I understand that a large part of my success is dependent on my attitude and positive state of mind, and that’s something that I can always control.

This mentality can (and should) apply to Topeka, and the way my fellow Topekans think about our great city. If we all make a conscious effort to see the positive things happening all around us, and think optimistically about a bigger, brighter future and ways we can achieve it; we’ll find strength and resources to meet those goals. Our dreams will become realities, because we’ll understand that we all have the power to affect change.

If instead, we choose to dwell on the negative, and think that change is beyond our control, it always will be. This is far easier mindset to maintain because it’s safe. It never pushes the limits, or considers anything other than a future of doom and gloom. It doesn’t take imagination or creativity or passion – any lazy coward can do it.

At the end of the day, it’s all in your head. If you think Topeka’s great, you’ll always find a good time because you realize that Topeka has lots to offer. And if you think Topeka’s the pits, and choose not to see the good all around you, you’re missing out. Because it’s all a matter of mindset.