Jeff Keller’s “Attitude Is Everything: Change Your Attitude… Change Your Life!” belongs firmly in the latter category. First published in 1999 and continuously resonating with readers for over two decades, this isn’t just another self-help manual. It’s a wake-up call wrapped in practical wisdom, a mirror held up to our habitual thinking, and a roadmap to reclaiming personal power—starting not with circumstances, but with perspective.
At its core, Attitude Is Everything delivers an unshakable truth: Your attitude is the single greatest determinant of your success, happiness, and impact. Not your IQ. Not your bank balance. Not your job title or zip code. Your attitude—the lens through which you interpret life—shapes your reality more powerfully than any external factor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll journey through Keller’s 12 foundational lessons—grouped into three transformative parts—unpacking their meaning, real-world applications, and emotional weight. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready to level up, this review will help you internalise the book’s message and live it—not just read it.
Let’s begin where Keller does: with the night that changed everything.
Part 1 – Success Begins in the Mind
The Night That Changed My Life
Jeff Keller opens with his own story: a dissatisfied lawyer stuck in a job he hated, stressed and unhappy. One night, after seeing a motivational speaker on TV and realising he was living far below his potential, he decided to change his mental habits instead of waiting for circumstances to change.
That “night that changed my life” becomes the origin of his career as a motivational speaker and author, and the living proof of his core thesis: when you change your attitude, your outer life starts to shift as well.
Your Attitude Is Your Window to the World
Keller compares attitude to a window through which you see the world. When you’re young, the window is clear; over time it gets “smudged” by criticism, failures, negativity, and limiting beliefs.
Key points:
- You cannot always control events, but you can clean your “window” by choosing more empowering interpretations.
- A positive attitude doesn’t deny problems; it focuses on solutions and possibilities instead of excuses.
He argues that this inner lens determines how much opportunity you can even see, let alone seize.
You’re a Human Magnet
In this lesson Keller leans on the idea that you attract what you think about most, in line with “law of attraction” style thinking.
- Constant focus on problems and lack tends to pull more of the same into your life—through your behaviour, tone, and decisions.
- Focusing on goals, gratitude, and possibilities makes you more open, energetic, and creative, which in turn draws better opportunities and people.
He emphasises that this is not magic; it’s psychology and behaviour: people respond differently to those who radiate enthusiasm and confidence.
Picture Your Way to Success!
Here Keller introduces visualization: mentally rehearsing your desired future as if it’s already true.
Practical suggestions:
- Create a clear mental picture of your goals—career, finances, health, relationships.
- Spend a few minutes daily seeing and feeling them as accomplished.
- Use vision boards, affirmations, or written descriptions to reinforce that picture.
He cites athletes and high performers who use mental rehearsal to prime their mind and body to act in line with their vision.
Part 2 – Watch Your Words and Thoughts
Make a Commitment and You Will Move Mountains
Keller argues that lukewarm wishes rarely lead to results; success demands genuine commitment.
- Commitment means deciding “I will” instead of “I’ll try.”
- It involves setting clear goals, making plans, and staying with them despite obstacles.
He shares anecdotes of people who, once truly committed, began noticing options and support that had always been around them but previously ignored.
Turn Your Problems into Opportunities
In this lesson, Keller reframes problems as opportunities in disguise.
He recommends asking:
- “What can I learn from this?”
- “How can I turn this setback into a stepping stone?”
Many innovations and career pivots, he notes, come from frustration with something that doesn’t work—if you approach it creatively rather than as a dead end.
Watch Your Words: Your Words Blaze a Trail
Keller points out that language shapes attitude, and attitude shapes action.
Examples:
- Replace “I can’t” with “How can I?”
- Swap “I hate Mondays” for “Mondays are a fresh start.”
- Avoid self‑put‑downs (“I’m stupid,” “I never get it right”).
He suggests monitoring your spoken and internal dialogue for a week to notice how often you speak defeat into your life.
How Are You?
This chapter focuses on the deceptively simple question, “How are you?”
Keller observes that many people reflexively say things like:
- “Not bad.”
- “Same old.”
- “I’m surviving.”
These subtle responses reinforce a low‑energy self‑image.
He recommends choosing more uplifting, honest but positive replies (“I’m great,” “I’m getting better every day”), which shift your own state and subtly influence others’ perception of you.
Stop Complaining!
Complaining, Keller says, is one of the biggest leaks of personal power.
Problems with constant complaining:
- It keeps your attention on what’s wrong, not on solutions.
- It drains your energy and that of people around you.
- It trains your brain to look for negatives first.
He suggests a “no complaining” challenge for several days or weeks, where you either act to fix things or accept them, but avoid pointless grumbling.
Part 3 – Take Action, Face Fear, and Change Your Life
Heaven Helps Those Who Act: Associate with Positive People
Keller flips the old saying “Heaven helps those who help themselves” to mean you must act, not just think positively.
Two key ideas:
- Action: Even small steps signal to your brain and to others that you are serious, which often draws additional help.
- Environment: The people you spend time with significantly influence your attitude and expectations.
He advises:
- Spend more time with positive, growth‑oriented people.
- Limit exposure to chronic complainers or cynics who undercut your efforts.
Confront Your Fears and Grow
Fear, Keller explains, is usually a mental movie about what might go wrong, not an actual danger in the moment.
Practical steps:
- Identify specific fears (public speaking, rejection, failure).
- Start with small, controlled exposures to those situations.
- Use positive self‑talk and visualization to support you before and after.
He emphasises that growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone; whenever you confront fear, your confidence expands.
Get Out There and Fail
Keller reframes failure as feedback and a necessary part of success.
He cites examples of famous people (like Edison) who failed repeatedly before achieving breakthroughs, and argues:
- The only true failure is giving up entirely.
- Each attempt teaches you what doesn’t work and brings you closer to what does.
He encourages adopting a “failure quota” mindset: aim to accumulate intelligent failures, because they indicate bold action rather than safe stagnation.
Networking That Gets Results
Although not a separate “lesson” in some editions, the theme of networking appears as Keller stresses building relationships.
His networking advice:
- Approach people with a genuine interest in helping, not just getting.
- Follow up, keep promises, and add value.
- Stay positive and enthusiastic—people remember how you make them feel.
In essence, your attitude while networking is more important than any clever script.
Change Your Attitude and You Change Your Life
The book concludes by returning to its core claim: your outer life is a mirror of your inner attitude.
Keller summarises:
- Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results
- By changing the quality of your thoughts, you shift your feelings, act differently, and eventually create different results.
He reminds readers that this is an ongoing practice, not a one‑time decision. Small, daily attitude shifts compound into big life changes over months and years.
What Message Does Jeff Keller Want to Convey?
Across all 12 lessons, Keller delivers a clear, consistent message:
- Attitude is your foundation. You can’t control everything, but you can control your reactions, interpretations, and the story you tell yourself.
- Thoughts and words matter. Repeated thoughts and self‑talk become beliefs, which drive behaviour and shape destiny.
- Action beats intention. Positive thinking without consistent action is wishful thinking; results come when you back your attitude with effort.
- Environment is powerful. The people you associate with and the media you consume either fuel or poison your mindset.
- Growth requires courage. Facing fears, accepting failure, and turning problems into opportunities are non‑negotiable parts of a meaningful life.
In simple terms, Keller wants readers to realise that they are not victims of circumstance. By cleaning their mental “window,” choosing constructive thoughts and words, spending time with uplifting people, and taking persistent action, they can dramatically upgrade their quality of life.
Brief Review: Is “Attitude Is Everything” Worth Reading?
Readers and reviewers consistently highlight that:
- The book is short, simple, and story‑rich, making it easy for beginners to mindset work.
- The 12 lessons are practical and immediately applicable in work, study, and personal life.
- It’s especially helpful for students, young professionals, and anyone feeling stuck or negative.
Critics note that the ideas are not entirely new, but Keller’s strength lies in packaging classic success principles into a clear, motivating format that many readers find highly actionable.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main message of Attitude Is Everything?
The main message is that your attitude shapes your life; by changing your mindset, you can transform your experiences and outcomes.
Q2. Who is Jeff Keller?
Jeff Keller is a motivational speaker and author known for his work on personal development and positive thinking.
Q3. How can I change my attitude?
You can change your attitude by focusing on solutions, visualizing success, choosing positive words, and taking action despite challenges.
Q4. Why is networking important according to Jeff Keller?
Keller says networking is important because the people you spend time with influence your mindset and opportunities.
Q5. How does the book suggest dealing with failure?
The book encourages seeing failure as feedback and a necessary step toward success, urging readers to keep trying and learn from mistakes.