In my 2003 book, The Seasons of Your Career, I devoted an entire chapter to the importance of staying positive in a hectic world. As we dive into 2006, we should remind ourselves to remain upbeat as world events spin faster than ever.Whatever personal woes you may be struggling to overcome, keeping a positive mindset can do wonders to assist you through your challenges. By following some basic steps, you can recapture your cheer and thus be able to positively affect everyone you meet during your day. Remember, the tiny ripple in the pond has more of an effect than you might think, so stay positive - and be the force that helps to change the world for the better.
Get rid of excess baggage. Make your load lighter by chucking the dead weight of a job, relationship, or issue that just seems to hold you down. Often your feelings give you the first clue that something isn't quite right. If you find yourself feeling miserable about a situation while avoiding taking action on it, you should address the issue once and for all. Dumping the old, outworn relationship or job can lead to a feeling of freedom and lightness.
Think for yourself. Too often we tend to think the same way as everyone else in the pack. Instead of joining in with the ideas of the loudest or most aggressive, take stock of the facts and make your own decisions. Whether it's your health, finances, career, or relationships, learn to trust your own feelings and ideas about what works for you. After all, no one else can live your life, so don't give others more credibility than you give yourself.
Put your needs first. Always make a point of putting yourself and your needs number one. If you don't care for yourself as if you matter, no one else will, either. Treat yourself to special luxuries and activities - you most definitely deserve them!
Have confidence in a better tomorrow. Even though the world may seem as if it is going backwards, it is making progress in baby steps. Don't despair if human events seem to be on a downward spiral. It's people like you who are leading the way to creating positive change, though you may not know it at the time!
Tune in and listen to your heart. When things get too hectic around you, step back and try to get to a place that's quiet. Take some deep breaths and really focus on what is going on inside you. Remember that circumstances work out one way or another, even though not always the way you envisioned them. Let your heart lead the way, and you'll always be moving in the right direction.
© Kathy Sanborn
LC Contributing Author
All Rights Reserved
