Make no mistake, everyone runs into tough situations from time-to-time. Do you find ways to stay positive? Is that what you really want?
In my business the idea of being positive, staying positive, or becoming more positive is a common discussion point. Businesses want their workforce to be motivated and engaged. Some people believe that motivation is entirely intrinsic. Others believe that motivation can be built or developed.
Being positive is probably connected with motivation, at least in some ways. It also might be connected with energy levels, enthusiasm, and persistence.
Two Types
Over time I have discovered that there are at least two types of people who express interest in staying or becoming more positive. There are those who are willing to work towards a more positive direction and there are those who express strong interest but are reluctant to make changes necessary to correct their path.
Recently someone expressed to me that they were struggling, having a tough time, and trying to navigate some difficult situations.
Certainly this person is not alone. Many people feel the same challenge. When I expressed several suggestions for corrective action they really didn’t appear all that interested. This person was more interested in complaining, feeling miserable, and looking for others to join the club.
If you truly want to stay positive, you have to want to get there and then to make it stick.
Positive Environment
Most people can see a correlation to the environment that we live, breathe, and work in, and our mental state. Not necessarily mental health, but our outlook. Are we more positive or are we leaning towards more negativity?
I’m not sure of the latest research by social scientists but many people believe that we are a product of our environment. Likely, whether consciously or not, this is why so many businesses are concerned with levels of positivity.
If you want to stay positive or if you are looking for ways to improve morale and positivity in your workplace you might want to consider starting with a question.
Do you, or the persons involved, want to be more positive and stay positive, or do you want to linger in the world of negativity?
Staying stuck and complaining is likely easier than taking action. Being distracted from the work at hand might be easier than staying focused, and for some, being the victim almost always feels like a good excuse.
Stay Positive
If you really want to stay positive or help others become or stay positive here are a few things to consider.
- Bumps in the road. We all hit obstacles, hurdles, and setbacks. Some might be work related, some personal, and sometimes we might be dealing with a little of both. Expressing your difficulties with others can help you see things differently, but reliving the ugly memory time and time again does not help your cause.
- Energy is required. We’ve heard the expression many times, “Get a good night’s sleep.” Your brain needs rest, your body needs rest, and you also need to have good nutrition. Don’t underestimate the challenges presented by a lack of sleep or not eating. Make sure you are eating and sleeping.
- Learn something. You might be surprised with the number of people I meet who want to have a cocktail or two to relax and unwind, they see a correlation. On the other hand they won’t pick up a book or read anything in any format to learn something new. There are lots of ways to learn something, it doesn’t have to be a book, but you need to make a conscious effort.
- Look forward. You cannot stay stuck in the past. Everyone has heard this, but only some will navigate out of the pit. Learn from things, yes, absolutely, but you cannot predict every future experience will result in tragedy. Clean the slate, wipe the white board, or think, <File> <New> but do not stay stuck.
Do you want to be more positive, or help others become and stay more positive, or is it more fun to stay stuck?
The choice is yours. Your outcomes will be conditioned on your next move—or not.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
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