“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill
Managing Your Mindset
We’ve all had days where we wake up energized and excited. Your morning goes smoothly. A bit of breakfast, you’re looking great, feeling fine, and out the door on time. You manage to maintain your high spirits even throughout your morning commute.
You exchange bright greetings with colleagues and settle in for the day. But as you go through the day, it becomes more difficult to maintain your positive mindset. Unmotivating meetings, boring conference calls, and counterproductive or negative input from the ho-hum glum set makes it hard to stay upbeat.
Hard as you try, you feel like you might slip and join them in the doldrums. How do you keep your positive mood and attitude?
Focus on the good.
Look for the positive in negative situations. Search for ways to turn adversity into positivity. Don’t punish yourself for mistakes. Everyone makes them. Keep the situation in perspective. Even if you can only find one good outcome or opportunity, learn from it, then move on, don’t let it bog you down. Use it to push yourself to do better next time. Strive to be a supportive and encouraging coworker or boss. Treat others with respect and kindness. The more you share your positivity, the more you’ll be surrounded by positivity from others.
Volunteer to lead a project.
Does business as usual bore you? Then mix it up a bit. Take the initiative and volunteer rather than wait to be assigned a project. Here’s the chance to use your imagination.
Be creative. Brainstorm with your team. You’ll have more control over the assignment. With project success, your bosses will be more likely to think of you when it comes to important future projects and possibly even a promotion. Along with project success, your self-esteem will soar, increasing your on-the-job optimism.
Build relationships and trust.
Put down your electronic device when you are waiting for a meeting to begin and chat with a colleague. Get on your feet and walk down the hall to discuss a project or issue, rather than sending an e-mail or calling.
Technology is amazing, but it makes us feel isolated. We miss out on important non-verbal cues and personal interaction. You will feel more connected to co-workers. Your workplace will become more friendly, fun and comfortable. Having a good rapport with your co-workers and bosses makes a workplace more pleasant and engaging.
A welcoming community at work makes you feel more supported and part of a team, which reduces work stress.
Surround yourself with those who add to your positive mindset.
Cultivate positive influences and relationships that lift you. Stay clear of colleagues who bring negative energy into work. When you do have to interact with them, be positive and encouraging. Your optimistic outlook may embolden them to change their attitude.
Take setbacks in stride.
Setbacks are inevitable and discouraging. How you handle them determines your future success. Be grateful for the experience and take pride in your efforts. Keep a positive outlook and attitude. Learn, stay focused on your goals and move on. Your success will be that much sweeter when you do obtain it.
Lighten up your electronics and media engagement.
Social media can be enlightening and informative but also can be full of negative updates and images that can invite more negativity (not to mention raise your blood pressure).
Find and follow those who inspire you. Seek out positive, uplifting, healthy living or inspirational friends and influencers. The more positivity you take in, the better you will feel.
Smile and practice mindful breathing.
Yes, simply smiling and practicing focused breathing will give you a more optimistic outlook. When others see you smiling, it makes them feel more optimistic and secure.
So smile at clients, colleagues and at your boss. Practice using calming breaths to fuel you and your creativity. This will help you to cope with stress and negativity. Make time for a quick walk outdoors when you need it to refresh you and to restore your positivity and clarity.
It’s about making a choice.
Strive to see the positive in all aspects of your life. Choose to be positive, even when your work environment may be difficult. Your optimism is powerful, contagious and can bind a team together during challenging times.
Always look for the good. Because no matter how daunting the situation may be, you can always find something new to be learned or a shred of good to come from it. Believe in yourself and remember the choice to have a positive mindset is all yours and it is attainable.
I really love this advice: “Find and follow those who inspire you” on social media. I did a change on Facebook, and now everything I get in my feed is uplifting, inspiring and providing real value (in-between the cute cat videos LOL)