People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom? ~Thich Nhat Hanh
Today was a perfect New England spring day: blue sky, sunny, balmy breeze, dry, and in the low 80’s. Honestly, it doesn’t get any better than this. So, I was stunned when, as I was exiting the library this morning, the woman who so graciously held the door open for me said: “Thank God for air conditioning!”
Of course, in my inimitable cheery way, I didn’t skip a beat as I responded: “Really? It’s an absolutely gorgeous day.” To which she replied in a weary, resigned voice: “Oh, well.”
If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I’m a firm believer in the power of “positivity.” It’s real. It’s potent. It works. I’ve shared some simple techniques for how to shift to a more positive approach in this next stage of life, and in creating work that fulfills and enlivens you.
Here’s the kicker. While the techniques themselves are simple, they’re not easy to execute. Why? Because the exchange I had this morning is but a small fraction of the negative thoughts, words, concepts, beliefs, and perceptions we encounter all day, every day, from ourselves, and the people around us.
As you go out into the work world, create brilliant new ways of solving social issues, or become your own boss, your greatest challenge may not be the economy or your age. It’ll be all those “negative Nellie’s” (and Ned’s) trying to rain on your parade. So, what can you do?
Just for today, tune in to what’s going on in your world. Listen to how many times you hear the words “not,” and “no.” How often do the words “can’t,” “won’t,” and “don’t” show up? How many sentences are positive? Notice how, even in the best of circumstances, negativity shows up.
Then, stop before you speak, and reframe your thoughts into more positive expressions. Shift your focus to what’s working, what you like, and what you’re grateful for today.
For most of us, the constant undercurrent of negativity is operating so far under the radar screen, we’re not even aware of it. Bring it into your consciousness, practice “positivity,” and your journey to what’s next will happen more quickly and be a lot more fun.
How do you practice “positivity?” What’s a great technique you’ve developed? I’d love to hear from you.
