Times are tough as we all know. People are dealing with job loss, business closings, uncertainty, fear and depression. However, if you look around, there are some people and businesses doing fairly well and it begs the question: How do we do well when everything seems to be so bad?
In general, there are a number of things we can look at to get us out of the negativity.
1) Accept What Is. This is one of the hardest things to do but it’s imperative to get us moving in the right direction. Times are tough and we can agonize over it or we can say to ourselves, “OK, I get it. Now what can I do?” This question puts us in a pro-active state of mind and gets us out of the victimization mentality that plagues so many. We either keep spiraling down or we stop ourselves and start to spiral up!
2) Get Busy. Once you’ve asked the question above, it’s time to do something with it! Being productive is key to success but it is also key in generating a positive state of mind. Less to do means we have more time to dwell on the negatives of the past or the uncertainty of the future. Idol hands…
3) Change Your Environment. If we watch the news 24/7, guess what…we’re going to get depressed! The media reports on what people want to dwell on and what gets their attention and a lot of people are in a negative place right now. If you want to get out of the negativity, watch the news a little less, stay away from negative people (yes, this is doable!), go do something fun.
4) Set a Goal…A Big Goal! Getting busy is helped by having a target to aim at and the bigger the target, the easier to keep at it, get inspired by it, and find a reason to celebrate achieving it…all positives!
As an Executive Coach, my emphasis is now more on motivational workshops, presentations and coaching sessions. Helping people find their positive energy, make a difference, and find success is what they need and what I do best.
Personally, as a runner, I’m looking at running my first ultra-marathon in October to support fund raising efforts for cancer research. One hundred miles in memory of and in honor of 100 cancer victims and survivors. That’s a huge motivator for me and doing something for others helps to keep my mind in a positive state which helps me stay productive.
Where’s your energy and what’s your goal? Let me know. Thanks! – Ernie