--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You cannot control all of what happens to…" description: "\"You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward all of what happens to you...You can choose to be happy and gra..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg" --- # You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can… ![“You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward all of what happens to you...You can choose to be happy and grateful rather than disappointed and bitter, by focusing on how it could have turned out worse but didn't, rather than how it could have turned out…” quote by Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg) > “You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward all of what happens to you...You can choose to be happy and grateful rather than disappointed and bitter, by focusing on how it could have turned out worse but didn't, rather than how it could have turned out better but didn't.” [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Attitude determines experience; choosing gratitude over bitterness improves wellbeing. **In simple terms:** Control your outlook to stay happy. Key Takeaway Practice gratitude daily. Themes mindset resilience choice Mood hopeful reflective Type self‑help motivational When to use this quote - personal setbacks - daily stress - career challenges - relationship conflicts Key Concepts cognitive reframing emotional regulation Questions to Reflect On - What habit helps you shift perspective? - When do you default to negativity? A Different Perspective Gratitude can be hard when pain is intense. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Choose to be happy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choose-to-be-happy/) [Disappointed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disappointed/) [Grateful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grateful/) [Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/) [Happy and grateful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happy-and-grateful/) ## Related quotes > [You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-cannot-control-what-happens-to-you-but-you-can-control-your/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only way to control what happens to you is to control your attitude towards what happens to you to mastering change rather than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishchal-ningleku/the-only-way-to-control-what-happens-to-you-is-to-control-your/) [Nishchal Ningleku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishchal-ningleku/) > [It's not that life has been perfect or easy or exactly how I expected it to be. It's just that I choose to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/it-s-not-that-life-has-been-perfect-or-easy-or-exactly-how-i-expected/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [Its not that life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as I expected. I just choose to be happy and grateful no matter how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/its-not-that-life-has-been-easy-perfect-or-exactly-as-i-expected-i/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Smile every chance you get. Not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you choose to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/smile-every-chance-you-get-not-because-life-has-been-easy-perfect-or/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It's not that life has been easy, perfect or exactly as expected. I just choose to be happy and grateful no matter how it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/it-s-not-that-life-has-been-easy-perfect-or-exactly-as-expected-i/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [You can't control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-can-t-control-what-happens-to-you-but-you-can-control-your/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“None of us live happily forever after. But we can choose to be happy today.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-c-hines/none-of-us-live-happily-forever-after-but-we-can-choose-to-be-happy/) [Jim C. Hines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-c-hines/) > [“Instead to be sad,I choose to be happy .”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/makis-philosofukciss/instead-to-be-sad-i-choose-to-be-happy/) Makis Philosofukciss > [“IT’S MY CHOICE I get a gift every morning, the gift of a new day, It’s up to me whether I make it bright,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maddy-malhotra/it-s-my-choice-i-get-a-gift-every-morning-the-gift-of-a-new-day-it-s/) [Maddy Malhotra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maddy-malhotra/) > [“I’m not the only person in the world who’s suffered. I do think happiness is a choice. I don’t mean for people who suffer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sariah-wilson/i-m-not-the-only-person-in-the-world-who-s-suffered-i-do-think/) [Sariah Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sariah-wilson/) > [Don't ever rob a bank. Enjoy life. Have fun. Choose to be happy now; don't wait until you're 'successful,' because honestly, I was as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-farrelly/don-t-ever-rob-a-bank-enjoy-life-have-fun-choose-to-be-happy-now-don/) [Peter Farrelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-farrelly/) > [Life is filled with choices...we either choose to be happy or be content. Believe me there's a big difference.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-filled-with-choices-we-either-choose-to-be-happy-or-be/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [No matter what's happening, choose to be happy. Don't focus on what's wrong. Find something positive in your life. Thank God for the small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/no-matter-what-s-happening-choose-to-be-happy-don-t-focus-on-what-s/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [The only reason you are happy is because you choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-angel-ruiz/the-only-reason-you-are-happy-is-because-you-choose-to-be-happy/) [Miguel Angel Ruiz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-angel-ruiz/) ## More by Brian Tracy > [I always say there are two things to be successful. The first is decide exactly what you want - set your goals - and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/i-always-say-there-are-two-things-to-be-successful-the-first-is/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [According to the best research, less than 3% of Americans have written goals, and less than 1% review and rewrite their goals on a daily basis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/according-to-the-best-research-less-than-3-of-americans-have-written/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [“Rumi says: ‘die before you die’. It means live each moment fully. Then, when the moment dies, there is no pain or regret because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/rumi-says-die-before-you-die-it-means-live-each-moment-fully-then/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [One of the most important rules for success is this: Every great success is the result of hundreds and thousands of small efforts and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/one-of-the-most-important-rules-for-success-is-this-every-great/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/almost-any-decision-is-better-than-no-decision-at-all/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Spend unbroken chunks of time with the most important people in your life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/spend-unbroken-chunks-of-time-with-the-most-important-people-in-your/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [The effective leader recognizes that she is more dependent on her people than they are on her. Walk softly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/the-effective-leader-recognizes-that-she-is-more-dependent-on-her/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Develop a mentor at each stage of your career - someone who will give you guidance and advice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/develop-a-mentor-at-each-stage-of-your-career-someone-who-will-give/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [I believe each person has far more intelligence than they have ever used.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/i-believe-each-person-has-far-more-intelligence-than-they-have-ever/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Our mind is the most valuable possession that we have. The quality of our lives is, and will be, a reflection of how well…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/our-mind-is-the-most-valuable-possession-that-we-have-the-quality-of/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Intense, burning desire is the motivational force that enables you to overcome any obstacle and achieve almost any goal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/intense-burning-desire-is-the-motivational-force-that-enables-you-to/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Any system or blueprint for success is better than none at all. Think on paper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/any-system-or-blueprint-for-success-is-better-than-none-at-all-think/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Being true to yourself means living in truth with each person in your life. It means refusing to say or do something that you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/being-true-to-yourself-means-living-in-truth-with-each-person-in-your/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [The happiest people in the world are those who feel absolutely terrific about themselves, and this is the natural outgrowth of accepting total responsibility…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/the-happiest-people-in-the-world-are-those-who-feel-absolutely/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [The value of a promise is the cost to you of keeping your word.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/the-value-of-a-promise-is-the-cost-to-you-of-keeping-your-word/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) [Explore all 882 Brian Tracy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) ## More Attitude quotes > [“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE. WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-can-t-always-control-our-circumstances-but-we-can-control-our/) [MARVIN J. ASHTON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [It's not the method, it's the mindset.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-gilbert/it-s-not-the-method-it-s-the-mindset/) [Andy Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-gilbert/) > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can't. My attitude is always let it keep rolling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terrence-malick/changes-before-your-eyes-things-you-can-do-and-things-you-can-t-my/) [Terrence Malick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terrence-malick/) > [Vow to be valiant. Resolve to be radiant. Determine to be dynamic. Strive to be sincere. Aspire to be attuned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-arthur-ward/vow-to-be-valiant-resolve-to-be-radiant-determine-to-be-dynamic/) [William Arthur Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-arthur-ward/) > [Don't judge me because I'm stupid. Don't judge me because I'm, mean. Don't judge me because I'm weird. Don't judge me for mistakes. Because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaiah-harden-me/don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-stupid-don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-mean-don/) Isaiah Harden (Me > [Your feelings (mood) dictate your thought, your thought determines your attitude (reactions) and your attitude describes your lifestyle, so: be careful how you feel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheye-hassan/your-feelings-mood-dictate-your-thought-your-thought-determines-your/) Sheye Hassan > [Success will come when the societal attitude changes and not a single woman in America asks herself the question 'What did I do?'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-biden/success-will-come-when-the-societal-attitude-changes-and-not-a-single/) [Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-biden/) > [“Good Seeds! Gratitude is the Greatest Attitude that has no Substitute.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-kelvin-clive/good-seeds-gratitude-is-the-greatest-attitude-that-has-no-substitute/) [Bernard Kelvin Clive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-kelvin-clive/) > [Jeff Chu's pilgrimage across America to discover his own place as a gay man in the Christian church as well as attitudes about being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donna-freitas/jeff-chu-s-pilgrimage-across-america-to-discover-his-own-place-as-a/) [Donna Freitas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donna-freitas/) > [One genuine reason to feel jealous of my parents:-) I will never ever have a kid as awesome as their's...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/one-genuine-reason-to-feel-jealous-of-my-parents-i-will-never-ever/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm optimistic Hong Kong will achieve universal suffrage - no matter the attitude of Beijing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-wong/i-m-optimistic-hong-kong-will-achieve-universal-suffrage-no-matter/) [Joshua Wong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-wong/) > [My attitude it that you don't give in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-taylor/my-attitude-it-that-you-don-t-give-in/) [Phil Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-taylor/) > [Transparency pertains to impartial behavior, implies openness, communication, and accountability. Inculcate transparency in attitude and experience a life free of controversy and blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dr-anil-kr-sinha/transparency-pertains-to-impartial-behavior-implies-openness/) [Dr Anil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-anil-kr-sinha/) > [And if the mind thinks with a believing attitude one can do amazing things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/and-if-the-mind-thinks-with-a-believing-attitude-one-can-do-amazing/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) [Browse all 9,543 Attitude quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward all of what happens to you...You can choose to be happy and grateful rather than disappointed and bitter, by focusing on how it could have turned out worse but didn't, rather than how it could have turned out better but didn't.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Brian Tracy" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-to-you-but-you-can-control/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Attitude" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-to-you-but-you-can-control/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee3/brian-tracy-216_attitude_you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-t_638640.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward all of what happens…” — Brian Tracy", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Brian Tracy", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "You cannot control all of what...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-to-you-but-you-can-control/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/you-cannot-control-all-of-what-happens-to-you-but-you-can-control/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```