5 Positive Things To Do Instead Of Complain
June 16th, 2008 Posted in No Complaining Rule, Newsletter, Teamwork, General(Excerpt from The No Complaining Rule, Wiley, June ‘08)
One of the key principles of The No Complaining Rule is that we have a choice of how we invest our energy at home and at work. We can focus on the negative or the positive. We can focus on problems or use problems to create solutions. And we can focus on sharing positive energy or negative energy. It’s all about our intention, our focus and our habits. Bad habits create bad results and good habits create good results. And since one of the best ways to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit, here are 5 positive things we can do each day instead of complain.
1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can’t be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.
2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.
3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you’ll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.
4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out.
5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge.
What will you do instead of complain?
Stay Positive!
-Jon
Developing Positive Leaders, Organizations, and Teams
Read and Share
Listen to the No Complaining Rule Tele-seminar online.
No Complaining Videos - Introduce the NCR to your team.
Download posters, resources and tools.
13 Responses to “5 Positive Things To Do Instead Of Complain”
By Lee on Jun 16, 2008
This article came at just the right time. Lately my grandaughter and daughter have said to me that I have been complaining a lot lately. I’ll try to be more mindful of this and try keeping a daily journal. Hope it helps.
By Susan DeSantell on Jun 16, 2008
Whenever I get the urge to complain about something trivial, I think of all of the people living in extremely unfortunate circumstances across the world. It helps to put things in perspective and reminds me that I am very blessed.
By Karin on Jun 16, 2008
I had a most interesting day yesterday — two flights delayed, a run from gate C-70 to gate A-71 at Detroit Metro, and luggage that took its own flight. But, I kept my focus on the wonderful vacation I had with my son and family and laughed when remembering the funny things my granddaughter said while I was there. The trip was wonderful and wonder-filled and the glitches were nothing more than hiccups.
Thanks for your inspiration!
Karin
By Cheri on Jun 16, 2008
Lately all I’ve been doing is complaining - I’m tired of it and know my family is as well. I have been struggling with ways to overcome it and find your 5 Positive Things To Do Instead of Complain very encouraging. My hardest challenge is to stay positive when it seems everything around me is such a struggle, our business, my relationship with my husband who I own the business with, keeping our home from foreclosure… The saddest thing for me is to see what my complaining does to my husband and my youngest son who lives with us. Thank you for your message this morning, I needed this wake up call and will begin to put these things in effect immediately! I hope you can bring your ‘No Complaining Rule’ tour to the Orlando area.
By Tomm Fennell on Jun 16, 2008
Thank you for Five positive things to do.
I reccomend a sixth.
I think about the challanges I have been given rather than look to a leader to handle my problems.
By Shane on Jun 16, 2008
Excellent advice Jon!
Not only can meditation be a powerful mechanism for stress relief, scientific research is finding a correlation between meditation and concentration. If you find that your mind wanders off a lot or have a low attention span, the practice of meditation can help you gain focus and become more productive..
Here is an article on meditation’s affect on the brain: http://www.news.wisc.edu/13890
Great blog Jon, we would love to have some of your content featured on TrainingTime.com.
http://www.trainingtime.com/spps/ahpg.cfm?spgid=18
By Connie Atkinson on Jun 16, 2008
Greeting each challenge with the right attitude guarantees success and greeting each morning with feelings of happiness gives full assurance of a beautiful day. Always express joy!
By Hildy Lyn Roy on Jun 16, 2008
Jon,
I really and truly enjoy your emails and positive input. This one today is truly super and I am printing it out. I may be able to include it in one of my Yoga classes. It IS a challenge to be positive and not complain, but practice makes perfect. Another thing I am finding is Blessing even inanimate objects. Everything is energy and it vibrates. We have been experiencing horrendous fires in Paradise, CA and I was stressed and scared. Then I decided to Bless the firefighters, the planes, the chemicals that were being dropped, the water, hoses, trucks and so on. I realized that a sense of peace had come over me and I knew the positive energy was far more supportive than negative fears. Thank you. Hugs, Light and Blessings, Hildy Lyn Roy P.S. The fires are under control!!!!
By Patrick on Jun 17, 2008
Songs and music always work for me. Whenever I feel like complaining there is always something positive and uplifting to sing. Or if you can’t sing just thinking about the lyrics helps.
By Susan on Jun 19, 2008
Jon, Thanks for the tips…I needed to read this to remind me!
Susan
www.WealthPeaceAndMore.com
By fred on Jun 20, 2008
Hi Jon..
I’ve read some of your teachings and have always tried to have a positive out look on things People say I’m an easy going guy but get pretty intense at times.THis is true.
I am a manager and have 10 -20 poeple working under me. They all have their quirks but generally are a good crew. Problem is… They gripe way too much and dispite my best efforts and positive approach , the gripping never stiops. I really gets me down and I wonder about my ability to manage. Any thougfhts??
By gen on Jun 21, 2008
insted of complaining i will smile and write a peaceful note to myself because most of the things that i complain about dont even matter
By Rick Curry on Jun 23, 2008
Instead of complaining, I will recognize that I have many other choices available to me that will resolve the matter or issue that is allowing me to want to complain. As a personal coach, I know that behind every complaint is an ill-formed request. In my own complaints and that of others, I will look for and expose the request. It is from there that positive and effective action will be taken.
Be well,
Rick Curry, CPC CDCGL
CoachRickCPC@Yahoo.com