How to Be Positive During Tough Times

I loved this article, it is absolutely true for the most part. Many times people find themselves in work envioronments that need change, but even in these cases a person is better equiped to deal with the challenges of the work place or to make a decision to change jobs when their attitude is positive.

The thing about negativity is that it doesn't just sap a person's energy it also diminishes a person's ability to think logically and clearly. If you are truly a negative person, you probably do not see that you are negative. I have read the comments that say this article is simplistic and I wish those people who think this would actually try to keep track of their negative thoughts and change them or let them pass without dwelling on them. There is nothing simple about that. For someone like me who grew up in a home full of non-stop negative popoganda this is hard work, but absolutely worth it!

I cannot express adequetly how much better I feel about myself, how much more clear my thinking is, or how much happier I am since I started working on positivity. I think having a lot of unresolved issues and bitterness also keeps people in negative thought spirals.

The truth is, over-analysing things so we can blame someone else for our misery is a complicated intellectual exercise that comes easily to many people. Becoming aware of your personal issues and thought patterns so you can deal with these things is hard work.

Thank you for this article. I loved it!

Angela of VA 7:02PM October 05, 2008

Wonderful article Jon. Ultimately, it's up to each individual not to sweat the small stuff. I tell my kids, it you don't like the way your life is going, it's within your power to change it. So do it. Elaine Williams

http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com

Elaine Williams of NY 9:56AM August 04, 2008

The negative comments about this article are the very reason why I do the work i do and why i wrote the No Complaining Rule. Not only does negativity exists but it destroys organizations, teams and careers....and from the comments i read i'd say it destroys optimism too. The gentlemen who said that the article sounded like standard consultant pep talk should talk to the organizations and companies and NFL teams i have worked with. You want real results you'll find them when a leader develops a positive culure and engages his employees. You'll find them when we stop whining and start looking for solutions. I'm not asking anyone to settle and accept the status quo. Governement needs to do a much better job and businesses and leaders need to create positive work environments where people can perform at a higher level. And I'm certainly not saying employees should not complain when something is wrong. For the entire story and solution read the book. I don't expect you to pay for it. Just go to the library and read it there. You'll find that the goal is to turn complaints into solutions. To utlize our complaints to take positive action. To focus on what you can control and not let what you can't control ruin your life and happiess. And to the woman who said that my advice was child's play you should read the letters I receive from teachers, students, employees, leaders and Mom's and Dads who have made signifcant positive changes in thier lives because of the "simple" positive message I shared with them. You think it has to be complicated but it doesn't. The closer we get to truth the simpler and more powerful the lessons become. If you don't believe me give it a shot. What do you have to lose? Nothing except your negativity. I'll send you a book and even coach you pro-bono. What do you say?

Jon Gordon of FL 12:18AM August 02, 2008

I agree with being grateful. When we focus on what we can appreciate in life it diminishes the pain of many things. However, I would like to think that there is more than just saying: You are working longer and getting paid less, but be thankful you have a job or you can work. Or, you must work well past retirement, so be thankful you have the health to work, while so many others cannot. This is child's play. Eat your food because someone in this world is starving. I am looking for something more meaningful. Each time I visit this childlike school of thought I become angry. Complacency comes to mind. We as a culture have let the ball roll in a direction that has been a detriment to ourselves. When will we stop listening to simplistic ideas that do nothing but gloss over and allow it to go on???

Jacqueline Hess of FL 2:22PM July 31, 2008