Are you tired of hearing bad news and endless predictions of doom and gloom? Can’t seem to get the gnawing feeling of depression out of your stomach? I’ve been tired of it for years and lately, as you well know, it’s gotten worse. I’ve decided to let you in on some of my habits for keeping my wits about me and maintaining a good attitude in spite of the bad things life may bring. Here are five secrets to turning Bad News into Glad News.
1. During your morning drive-time, list at least 10 things you are grateful for.
If the bad news in life begins to weigh you down, you will always tip the scales in your favor when you begin to count your blessings. The best thing about living in America is living with HOPE. Many nations offer minimal to almost no opportunity for their citizens to control their destiny and improve their lives. In fact, the majority of the world doesn’t even come close to the blessings we Americans live with and we need to be thankful without being prideful.
While Americans are suing their doctors, much of the world wishes they had one. While Americans throw tantrums because they have to wait in line at the grocery store, half of the world’s population is going to bed hungry. Enter each day with thanksgiving in your heart and walk into your workplace with joy. You’ll be amazed how positive your attitude will become once you begin counting your blessings.
2. Surround yourself with optimists and laugh often.
I am repulsed by emotional vampires. That’s what I call people who drain me of every drop of good news I’m trying to hang onto. The only time it’s beneficial to hang around someone who is a wet blanket is when your hair is on fire. I’d rather stay away from a naysayer. Most of us already know what’s wrong with our day. What people need is someone who sees the day in a brighter light. Once a week, make some popcorn and sit down to watch a funny movie. Read the news at fark which is reader-submitted news from around the world where people give their spin on the ridiculous – it cracks me up every time. You have to work at being optimistic and keeping your smile. Nobody is going to do that for you. Optimistic people are mutually encouraged by each others positive outlook. It’s the principle of “iron sharpeneth iron.”
3. Turn Broadcast News OFF!
I haven’t watched the 6 O’clock news for over two years now and the only thing I miss are my anti-depressants. My motto is as follows. “Read what you need!” Visit Yahoo or Google News for ten minutes each morning and ignore the blithering talking heads at night! Too much negative spin will make you depressed and dizzy. The weatherman is seldom right and the talking heads offer more negative opinions than actual factual news. Your thinker is controlled by what you feed it and whatever a person thinks, that will be what they become. I’ve decided to monitor what I allow in my head and as a result, I feel like I’m becoming a better person with a better life.
4. Focus on solutions, not problems.
Too many people spend their day focused on what’s wrong with the world, the business climate or their hair. Very little time seems to be focused on what’s right or how to fix the problems we have. I live in the same country as you and hear about the same slow economy but, my goal is to never finish a day where I haven’t accomplished something that moves me forward in life. Everything from greasing a squeaky hinge in my apartment to e-mailing potential clients and encouraging them, to reading a good book. It all matters and it keeps me focused on my solutions not my problems. Because I focus on solutions, I’ve found many more people want to be my friend. It’s amazing how hungry the world is for leaders and problem solvers. The world is full of followers and I refuse to be one of them!
5. Give your way out of a down economy!
I read an article yesterday about a local hair salon owner here in Minneapolis. He has decided 2009 will still be a year of business growth in spite of a “reported” slow economy. You’d think an upscale hair salon would be bracing for the pinch with people looking for ways to save money. After a few adjustments to his pricing, products and services, the owner announced an increase in sales for January ’09 over the same period last year. Why? Because he’s giving his clients some cost breaks and he’s being rewarded for it. More people are coming in and word is getting out. You may think giving-to-get is ludicrous but it’s actually a principle that rewards the giver every time. Learn to give and it will be given back to you, many times over.
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