Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity
July 7th, 2008 Posted in Life, Newsletter, No Complaining Rule, TeamworkWith the mortgage meltdown, floods in the Midwest, $4 a gallon for gas, food prices, the economy, famine, war in Iraq, etc., many would agree that there is a lot of negativity in the world and certainly a lot to complain about. And yet, while traveling the country this past month, ironically for the No Complaining Rule Tour, I met a number of people who inspired me with the positive ways they were dealing with the negativity in their life. In spite of their circumstances they chose to view their situation with a positive perspective… which so often makes all the difference. Since we all could benefit from their example, here are 5 positive ways to deal with negativity.
1. Find the Gift - Richard Bach said every problem has a gift for you in its hands. One woman came up to me and said that because of the cost of gas her family is driving less and as a result they are spending more time at home and having dinner together more often. She said this “negative” situation has been very “positive” for her family. Another person said he is taking the bus to work instead of driving and as a result he has met a lot of interesting people.
2. Look at the Bright Side - One gentlemen joked that because of the cost of gas he now has a great excuse to not drive and see his negative relatives.
3. Zoom Focus - It doesn’t matter what the pundits say on television. It doesn’t matter what Joe and Sally in your office are doing. It doesn’t matter who is playing office politics. All that matters is what you do every day to grow yourself and your business. Focus on being positive and taking positive action every day. Be like the real estate agent who told me that he doesn’t focus on what the news and newspapers say. He focuses on what he can do every day to be successful. He focuses on marketing his business, taking care of his clients, and building loyal relationships. What things do you need to Zoom Focus on?
4. Focus on the Opportunity Not the Challenge - Behind every innovation and solution is a story about someone who said there has to be a better way. I bet Henry Ford was walking behind a horse when he had the idea for his automobile. 
History shows us that a lot of people and a lot of companies make a lot of money during recessions. The key is to find the opportunity. Where is the market heading? What do people want and need? What will they want in the future? Now is a great time to build a positive team with great talent. Now is the time to gain market share while so many give up. Now is a great time to determine who is on your bus and who is off your bus. Now is the time to be indispensable to your company and demonstrate how valuable you are.
5. Be a Positive Influence on Others - I received an email from Ruthanne in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She wrote:
“As you are probably aware, we were recently hit with a 500 year flood. My neighborhood was impacted the worst and most of our homes, mine included, are a total loss. People tell me I have been the most positive person they know who was directly impacted by the flood. I don’t have a lot of time today (first day back at work in 2 wks) to tell you all the positive things that have been going on in our city and in my life, but I will be writing an article when this is all over with. I did want to say though that I have not complained throughout all the devastating catastrophe because of the knowledge I learned both from your seminar, books and newsletters.”
Ruthanne could have chosen to wallow in self pity and negativity but instead she chose to deal with her negative situation by being a positive influence on others. Think about how many people she is positively impacting in her community. Now think about the positive influence you can have on people at work, in your community and at home.
Every day simply ask yourself “How can I be a positive influence where I am, right now?”
Share how you will be a positive influence, leave a comment here.
Stay Positive!
-Jon
7 Responses to “Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity”
By Tomm Fennell on Jul 7, 2008
The good news and the bad news are the same news. Good and bad are only judgements that we make about the news. For example; the news is, I have had an aneurysm and spend most of my day in a wheelchair, the good news is that “I have more time to think”, the bad news is that “I have more time to think”.
By Rob on Jul 7, 2008
I have found a great way to combat negativity. I put a reminder note up in front of me at work that says “Smile.” It reminds me to smile all the tiem. I find that just by smiling I feel better, think positively, and seem to figure out productive ways to deal with my problems & stresses. It may sound PollyAnn-ish, but it really works. It’s also fun to see all the puzzeled looks that I get from co-workers who wonder why I’m smiling all the time.
By Dr. Kristen Ude on Jul 7, 2008
I have been thinking about how to stay positive in the face of less than optimal circumstances. It is always true that we can’t control other people, but we can control our responses. Part of getting up and staying up and having that positive filter of perception is commitment to something bigger than you. God is bigger than all of us and when I get a glimpse of his power, I rest easier. I know He gave me free will (and this fourth of July, I am particularly grateful for freedom). So I’m learning it’s up to me to not squander my will. If I know I want to eat healthy, get to bed early, enjoy my friendships, exercise, commiting to those activities gives me the resilience and the reserve to see negative events and circumstances in that more positive way. Discipline seems like the best way to avert negativity. I can come to the yoga mat and be still. I can go to church and feel God closer. Letting negativity run me is like saying one thing and doing another. Commitment and discipline line up intentions and bring them to fruition. Procrastination and lack of discipline lead to unchecked subconscious garbage possibly running the show. We get to chose how we do it everyday. How neat.
By Stacie on Jul 7, 2008
I will stay in today. I cannot go back and undo the past and I don’t need to look for upcoming doom in the future. If I stay in today all is well; I have a blessed life; I have everything I need.
By Connie Joy on Jul 7, 2008
Choices determines the course in life. Choices direct our life. The quickest way to turn a bad situation into a blessing is to “get excited.” No matter what, choose excitement because it is the opposite of anxiety and brings in new energy. It invokes power and puts any individual in charge of what is done. Every situation gives us the right, power, and ability to choose the experience.
Why excitement, you say? Because when what we go through is over, we can help others. Excitement is a positive energy to use in place of fear, resentment or anger. Use excitement, because no matter what, we are equipped to handle anything. Life is trusting us to do the right thing! Be excited that we will do the best no matter what happens!
By Joan Bell on Jul 7, 2008
By living in the NOW, by being AWARE, by being part of the SOLUTION and by helping others see and acknowledge their own greatness are the best ways I can think of to be a positive influence in the world.
By Bonnie on Jul 15, 2008
I heard you on the Spencer Hughes show on 7/15 and am hooked. I will be buying your book this weekend and I look forward to it. Thank you for a great interview. I hope your message catches on in the general media. It can change the world.