In Bonn, Germany there are many lovely sights to see. One of my favorite by far is the Beethoven-Hauss. It is the birthplace of Beethoven and now preserved as a museum and historical sight. Although I would say that I’m fully acquainted with Beethoven’s music, this was a side to him that I’d yet to see.
Inside the museum there were collections of his old instruments, desks, music compositions, and countless pages of history describing the life and career of the musical genius Ludwig Beethoven.
However, the one thing that stood out to me was that Beethoven had an awful temper. Not just the kind of temper that when you stub your toe you get upset, no this musical genius was so notorious for his awful temper that it started to affect every area of his life including his work.
I was baffled. This musical genius, Beethoven, is renowned for his work all over the world and yet he could not control his anger. I felt sad in the moment I read it and although I moved on to reading and observing other things, this one fact really hit me to the core.
It reminded me that sometimes the only thing that stands in the way of our future is us. Rather than controlling his temper, Beethoven slew it all over the place like a salad dressing.
So what lessons can be learned from the Beethoven Bad Temper?
1.) We are responsible for our words: we will either live responsibly or always live pointing the finger at others. We must be convinced that the responsibility lies with us.
2.) Your word is your legacy: it’s recorded in history for all the world to see. This musical genius could not control his temper. It makes you really think about it. It’s not just about all the good things that you do but it’s also about what you say.
3.) Your attitude affects every area of your life. Think of it this way, you have to clean your home and you don’t want to but one way or another it has to be done. You could either clean it with an attitude of thanksgiving that says, “Thank God I have a house to clean.” Or you can do it with a bad attitude that only looks at the negative without even seeing the blessing. Maybe at one point in time you prayed for a nice home. But now that you have one, you complain about the stewardship and investment that comes in caring for it. Be careful, it could be that the present you is complaining about something now that the past you had prayed to have.
4.) Regardless of your aptitude your life is affected by your attitude: he was a genius, his musical compositions and works are still studied, admired and observed to this very day. And yet, what stood in the way of even more opportunity and growth potential for him? His attitude. His attitude limited him. A bad attitude has the potential to:
1.) Cripple what you already have
2.) Diminish your potential
3.) Hinder your reach to to connect with others
Remember when we were kids and our parents and teachers would say “check your attitude”? Don’t let your attitude rule you but rather rule your own attitude and bring it into check. Even if you’re a genius don’t think that your attitude towards others will be forgotten. Don’t let your attitude keep you from progressing in your life.
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