Near the end of December 2004, I received an email from one of my
colleagues that I had not heard from in awhile saying, "Donna,
I'm wondering if I might have a moment of your time in the near
future to ask you some questions about what I've observed to be
your unquestionable, positive demeanor. Any time that I've
encountered you, I've found your attitude is very infectious, and
I'd like to talk to you about how you maintain it and where it
springs from."
To be honest, I was astonished by this request. I know I'm a
positive person but I was surprised to have such an impact on
someone I rarely interact with.
Before meeting with my colleague, I made a few notes to prepare.
I've decided to share these notes with you as well. To me, if we
can remain positive, we will enjoy much more success with
overcoming overwhelm and achieving our desired results.
1. Develop An Optimistic Outlook
Always try to see the best in everything. Try to focus on all
that is now possible rather than worrying about what might be
impossible.
2. Practice Detachment
Strive to let things go. This isn't easy to master, but if you
keep this objective in mind and do it more often, it will become
easier.
3. Select Your Fights And Arenas
When we work and live with others, we need to consciously choose
when it's important to fight for something and when it's
acceptable to compromise. Sometimes when you stop and think about
it, you'll realize that certain battles are not worth having.
Other times you'll decide it's more appropriate to deal with it
at a different time and in a different place.
4. Choose Your Environment, Leader, Colleagues And Team
People often choose their work, or their position without
considering the types of people they will be working with. Before
selecting an opportunity, consider the personality and style of
the people you'll be working around, whether you'll be compatible
with them, and whether you'll be able to learn from them.
5. Strategize On The Win
Professional athletes and teams do this - why wouldn't we?
Planning how you'll achieve your desired goals improves the
likelihood you'll succeed. Strategically thinking about how to
achieve your daily, weekly and monthly goals will help you feel
great. You'll have a plan and you'll be taking regular steps
towards fulfilling it.
6. Ask Yourself Every Day, "Did I Win Today?"
Consider the day a win if the results you felt positive about
outweighed those that you didn't feel very positive about. If,
overall, a certain day doesn't feel like a "win", immediately
plan how to make the evening better, and how to set yourself up
to win the next day.
7. Direct Your Passion Toward A Special Cause
Find a special cause that moves you and contributes to improving
someone else's quality of life. You'll feel wonderful about
making a difference. When you know you're helping the greater
good, you'll feel worthwhile and, as a consequence, you'll
experience ongoing pleasure.
8. Focus On How Can You Help Others
Helping others can have an enormous impact on your outlook and
attitude. Make sure your definition of personal success includes
helping other people and making a positive difference in their
lives.
9. Associate With Great People
As much as possible, avoid spending time with "Negative Nellie's"
and people that you can barely tolerate. These people will drain
your energy. Instead, hang out with great, positive people that
suit your style; their attitudes will be contagious.
10. Know Yourself Well
To truly be positive, you need to consciously, deeply know what
you really like, what you genuinely don't like, what you are good
at, and what you are not good at. If you understand these things
about yourself, and make decisions according to your interests
and strengths, you will naturally be more positive.
11. Take Great Care Of Yourself
If you don't take exceptional care of yourself, it will be more
challenging to have a positive demeanor. Getting sufficient
sleep, eating healthy food, exercising and having fun all
influence your disposition.
12. Enjoy The Ride
Life does provide challenges but we grow and learn through
adversity. So enjoy it!
Copyright 2005 Donna P. Lendzyk
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