Category: Attitude

Find the Opportunity

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell

It is so easy to get stuck on the negative impact of an event, that we fail to see the opportunity just beyond. I am learning more and more that this is just an attitude. The more positive your attitude, the easier it is to see opportunity.

In the past I thought that being able to think and reflect was the best method to see opportunity, but I have to change that thought. A positive attitude can be just as powerful as the other practices. It is easiest to see when you and a friend experience the same event, and their positive attitude views it completely differently.

The other aspect of a positive attitude is that it can kick in immediately following a disappointment. There is no delay for reflection and evaluation, just attitude that carries you to new opportunities.

Practicing a positive attitude can be difficult, but it can also become very natural. Give it a try!

There Is Always One or Two

When I am working on a project with a team, it seems that there is always one or two people that distract the group from their goal. It could be that they actively speak out against the plan, or they could silently disrupt progress behind the scenes.

Here are some strategies that will help you overcome the rabble-rouser.

  1. Focus on the majority. – The simple method is to just ignore the person that is disrupting the group. If you are able to move forward with the majority of the group, then you are able to gain momentum.
  2. Address the issue with the person separate from the group. – Confronting the rebel in front of the group will only justify their message. So pull them to the side and try to resolve the issue discreetly.
  3. Create wins to show the group the progress. – People want to be on the winning side. Get some small wins and you will begin to over come any opposition.

There is always someone that will stand in your way on your path to success. Find a way around and don’t lose too much time thinking about it.

What Is Your Level of Commitment?

Commitment is visible to those on your team. You know what it looks like. It is the guy that never gives up. The person that keeps searching for the way to succeed. The woman that brings a positive attitude and a drive for the goal.

Are you as committed as you should be? Here are some things that you should consider if you want to be recognized as the person that was committed to the team’s success.

1. Set the example. Don’t wait to see if others are on board. Always bring your “A” game.

2. Increase your influence. Collaborate. Ask questions. Build bridges. Add value. Helpful participation increases your influence with the team.

3. Never stop learning. Finding success is usually accomplished by learning something new, or changing the way you do something. Keep a learning attitude to be ready for new ideas.

4. Have the persistence to succeed. Accept that success takes time and effort. If it was easy, the rewards will be less.

What does commitment look like for you?

Reacting Under Stress

Stress can cause us to act differently. It can cause us to be more abrupt, more direct, less effective, and too aggressive. Afterwards we may feel regret, but too often the damage is already done.

William James has said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” We have the ability to change our thoughts and therefore we can change how stress affects us and how often it affects us.

The first step is eliminating stress caused by things we don’t control. The second step is reflection. We can learn about our reactions and the thoughts that trigger stress. The third step is practice. We can practice the reaction we desire.

Stress can ruin the moments in life that we should be enjoying. In 2019, we should choose our thoughts and have more joy, and less stress.