Even when things are going well, staying positive is sometimes easier said than done. Jon Gordon, author of “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy,” offers these six tactics to increase positivity:
BECOME A SELECTIVE LISTENER. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible, or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.
PLAN YOUR DAY. When you wake up each morning ask, What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire? Afterwards, tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.
DIRECT YOUR ENERGY. Everyone has a finite amount of energy. Don’t waste it on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you can’t control. Instead, invest your energy in your purpose, people and the positive present moment.
FOCUS ON “GET TO” rather than “have to.” Each day, think about what you get to do, not what you have to do. For instance, think, I get to go to a job that utilizes my talent and that is full of opportunities, instead of, Ugh—I have to go to work today.
TALK TO YOURSELF instead of listening to yourself. Fears, worries and what-ifs can hold us back, wreck self-esteem and impact health in a very real way. Feed your mind with the words and encouragement you need to keep moving forward.
CHOOSE FAITH INSTEAD OF FEAR. Faith turns adversities and dead-ends into detours to a better outcome than you thought possible. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.
Don’t chase dollars or success. Decide to make a difference and build meaningful relationships, and success—specifically, lasting, meaningful success—will find you.