It’s Easy to Think Bad Thoughts

It is way easier to think bad thoughts and to let them keep flowing in your mind rather than thinking positive thoughts.  Especially when things are going wrong it is way easier to get on the negative bandwagon than to try go against the flow and think of something positive.

As a leader you need to step back and see these things happening and do things to correct them.  Stop pointing out the negative and start revealing all the positive around us.

Here is an quote I read in one of Kevin Eikenberry’s blogposts on being positive.

James Clavell’s novel Shogun. 
"To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that discipline – training – is about."

Kevin also talked about how enthusiasm, passion, and a positive approach are all contagious.  I could not agree with him more.

It is way easier to sit back and just say things are going to happen.  It is a lot harder to get up every day and stay positive.  You need to discipline yourself to stay positive.

Tricks to staying positive:

1. Smile: It is amazing how this thing alone can transform you and those around you.
2. Start Your Day off Right: Read something positive such as the bible or another book to get you grounded for the day.
3. Flip Conversations: Once a conversation starts going negative flip it and say some positives.
4. Take Time to Reflect: Debrief at the end of each day and go through the day and what happened.  Then figure out how to turn those positive.
5. Realize your blessings: Look at how blessed you truly are.  Maybe your job isn’t fun, but at least you have one.  Maybe your kids are being naughty, at least yours are healthy.

Being a positive thinker and person in general is one of the hardest disciplines.  It is especially hard when you are tired or stressed.

Being a positive leader will set you and your company apart for years to come.