حس غریب
Instead of spending
your time thinking about how bad things are, think about how good they will be!
Everyone knows that a positive attitude is key to the successful life. But what
happens when things go wrong? What happens when circumstances deal us a blow?
We have a tendency to let our attitudes take the dive along with our state of
affairs.
Life deals us setbacks, both minor
and major, on a regular basis, but if we are going to be successful, we need to
know how to deal with them and keep our attitudes intact!
We need practical tools to help us understand how we can go about keeping our
attitude up, when the circumstances are down. Here are some thoughts to help us
do so:
Take some time-out. I"m sure you are aware of what happens.
You are going about your day and everything seems to be going well, when out of
nowhere disaster strikes. All of your best-laid plans begin to tumble.
Sometimes circumstances surprise us and we react.
Unfortunately, this often compounds the problem because by reacting we tend to
operate out of our weaknesses instead of our strengths. We make decisions that
are not well thought out. We function with a bad attitude that says, "I can"t
believe this is happening!"
The next time circumstances turn against you, take some time to just step back
from the problem and think. This will enable you to deal with the issue at hand
rationally, instead of emotionally. It will allow you to put your state of mind
back into its proper place. It gives you the opportunity to choose your
attitude as you face the circumstances at hand.
Remember that we don"t have to do something right now. Go grab a cup of coffee
and relax a little bit. By doing this you function with you being in control
and not the circumstances.
Keep your eye on the goal. A second step in keeping our attitude in the proper
place is to make sure we keep the important things important. One of the
biggest problems with trouble is that it gets your focus off of where it should
be.
When I experience difficult circumstances and people ask me how it is going, I
tell them, "I am just keeping my eye on the goal." It has always been
fascinating to me that when racecar drivers get into trouble, they keep their
eyes straight ahead and do not move them away. There is just too much chance of
wrecking that way.
Instead, their eyes are on the goal, and this keeps them out of trouble. If you
find yourself getting down about circumstances, sit down and write out what the
goal is. Give some thought to how you can achieve that goal or others you may
have.
A man was asked how he was doing and he responded, "Pretty well, under the
circumstances." The other man asked, "What are you doing under the
circumstances?" Good question. We shouldn"t be under the circumstances we
should be focused on
the goal and moving forward.
Focus on solutions, not problems. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, the old
saying goes. Negative circumstances don"t sit idly by. They scream for our
attention. When we face difficult circumstances, we tend to dwell on them. We
talk about them, fret about them, and give them way too much attention.
Instead of talking about problems, talk about solutions. Instead of spending
your time thinking about how bad things are, think about how good they will be!
Don"t have family or staff meetings about the problems and how big they are.
Have
meetings on the solutions and how you will implement them.
Don"t let yourself or other team members complain. Encourage them to solve,
with an emphasis on the positive results that will come from doing so. Then
take some time to put these solutions down on paper, so you can monitor your
progress.
Get some positive input. The mind tends to build on itself, so when we begin to
go in one direction, i.e. worry, it can be a slippery slope. One thing we must
do is get our thoughts back on track with positive ideas.
When circumstances have got you against the emotional wall, get with a good
friend who can encourage you. Listen to a tape by Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar or
another motivational speaker.
Pick up a good book and give it a read. Whatever external influence you can get
to put your attitude back on the positive side of the tracks - do it! It must
be one of our first goals to start plugging good things into our minds to fuel
our attitudes.
Tell yourself the good. One of the greatest internal powers we have is the
power to control our thoughts. Spend time dwelling on the good things about
your life or job instead of the problems. Think about positive things, things
you enjoy and give you a sense of happiness and peace.
There is an old childhood song that says, "Count your blessings, and name
them one by one." That is great advice! Let your positive attitude develop
from within as well as from without. This makes all the difference!
Some questions as we close:
Q. Do you have a habit of reflection before responding?
Q. Do you have a habit of keeping your eye on the goal?
Q. Do you focus on solutions or problems?
Q. Do you give yourself positive outside influence?
Q. Do you have a habit of telling yourself the good?
Q. Do you remind yourself that nothing is forever?
Remember that circumstances are not forever. Sometimes it seems like we are
going to be up to our eyeballs in the situation forever, when in reality, this
too shall pass.
There will be a time in the future when circumstances will change and you will
be on the mountain instead of the valley. This will give you a sense of hope as
you live and work that will change your attitude, make you feel better and put
you on the fast track for growth!
