Think Positive in Tough Times
Negativity surrounds us. But now, more than ever, it’s important to stay positive. After all, it can be really easy to spread negative comments and get caught in a downward spiral of hopelessness. Don’t let it happen to you!
Toxic communications and people can be detrimental to your health and hurt your business. Without knowing it, budget hassles, stressful deadlines and the latest, economic news can affect your emotions and productivity.
With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you get back on track and feel more energized:
1. Hang out with positive people.
Try to avoid constant complainers. Instead, surround yourself with positive, successful people who radiate confidence and lead happy and fulfilling lives.
“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard!” Colin Powell
2. Be thankful.
Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to be in a good mood and think pleasant thoughts. When this happens, try to focus on all the things you are thankful for.
Make a quick mental list of your favorite things in life and why you are grateful for them. Then, make a fresh start and try to be positive for the rest of the day. This may seem like a waste of time, but it works. You’ll be surprised at how your attitude will change.
“The Oprah Winfrey Show – The Secret”
3. Take a break from the news.
Although it’s important to know what is going on in the world, news reports are not usually packed with positive stories. When the work day is over, turn the news off and listen to your favorite music, get some exercise, or watch your favorite television program. This will give your mind and body a stress-break and help revive your mental attitude.
Notes on The Power of Positive Thinking
4. Think about where you are going.
Do yourself a favor and “stop and smell the roses.” If you are just running around meeting deadlines, dealing with negative clients, working with micro-managers, or just trying to earn an income, it’s time to stop for a moment - Is this really a stepping stone to bigger and better things?
You will be much happier if you think about your career goals and know your specific action-plan to reach those goals. Of course it’s important to pay your dues, but be sure you are paying them at the right time and place in order to see future results.
It may not seem possible, but just by reviewing your environment and making simple changes, you can be more productive, have a better mental attitude and reach your career goals faster.
Obviously, these are just a few suggestions. Do you have any additional tips you’d like to share to help others feel more positive? If so, please provide your comments below, or feel free to contact me via my site www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!
P.S. After posting this blog, I received a lovely note from Kristen Marie Schuerlein, founder of Affirmagy, www.affirmagy.com. She and her friend Lindsay Andreotti, founder of Ovel, www.getovel.com, are collaborating to give away hundreds of blankets and shirts with positive affirmations at the Women’s Expo 2008 November 1st and 2nd….just because. Check out the announcement at http://www.affirmagymediakit.com/give-love-now/! Thanks for spreading positive energy ladies!
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 am
I thought this was a really interesting article. At Mogelli we actually have a tool called Moods for the iPhone that allows you to track your own moods and keep notes on the factors that may be of influence, and observer trends in your mood swings over particular days or months. We would be very happy to here what you and your readers think as we are keen to grow the tool based on community feedback.
More information can be found at the Moods website http://www.mogelli.com/moods
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:53 am
Thanks for your nice comments Jeniece. Your Moods tool sounds interesting. You may want to mention it on the Startupnation online forum and get some comments and feedback.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Thanks Melanie for this DOSE OF POSITIVITY!
I escape the news by taking a city walk during breaks.
It’s AUTUMN….don’t forget to take your walks before the snow comes!
Whether you’re in the city, the suburb, or the country…ideas, inspirations, and visions abound in the most unlikely places.
At the very least, enjoy a quiet moment to organize your thoughts. Take a notepad….you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:04 am
If you can’t think positive, especially in tough times, how far can you really expect to get in your business or life for that matter?
You have to look at the bright side of things and remain ever vigilant so that when tough times do show up, you’ll be prepared to keep moving forward in success.
October 28th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Melanie! I am so in this corner!
I believe it is critical to tune out the popular media perceptions of the cultural consciousness.
Here is what I have been thinking about — as we as a world go into change mode, some things will go and some things will change. If you look at solar technologies and green technologies, you are seeing great growth. Anything that helps us be more efficient & better stewards of the planet is still in great growth mode.
Old things will die. Old ways of doing business. Old ways of automobiles (the auto industry is in turmoil). You can look at any of these things with this light of “what is good? What can I do to contribute to the good on the planet?”
When you are really focused on how you can bring light, suddenly the weight of the planet changing doesn’t feel so heavy…
I applaud you for being a source of light!
Erica Nelson
Author “Prospect When You Are Happy”
New book on Career Inspiration due in March 09
:=)
October 28th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Great tips!
One thing I’ve found as well over the years — just as a negative client can affect you, having a positive outlook and demeanor yourself can often times rub off on the negative client and change things for the better.
But if the client remains negative — that is your sign to move on.
Todd Brabender
Spread The News PR, Inc.
Generating media exposure for
innovative products, services and experts.
785.842.8909
todd@spreadthenewspr.com
http://www.spreadthenewspr.com
Check out Spread The News PR’s recent front-page feature in the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119800161598537205.html
LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/122/831
October 28th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Melaine, thank you for reminding us. It’s so important to stay in a positive mindset.
I haven’t watched TV in 5 months and long ago stopped watching the news. Being mindful about our state of being helps us acheive balance, clarity, and success!
October 28th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Thanks everyone for your kind words!
It is so easy to fall into the negative-thinking trap…We all need to stick together and remind each other that there are a lot of good things in life…all the time!!!
All the best,
Melanie
October 29th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Thank you Melanie for great insight. It’s so true, negative thoughts lead to negative actions which produce negative results. Although knowing the state of affairs is good, it’s no use dwelling on things we can do little about. As a Christian, this message rings very true for me, the Bible encourages us to think on what is pure, noble, virtuous , praise worthy, etc. For me that’s God’s Word, it keeps me grounded when all around me moves because it is eternal. Before I preach I just wanted to say, thanks Melanie for an important message.