Positive Attitude When Eating an Elephant

I have been doing some focused reading lately about positive thinking and positive attitude. This might be due to the fact that recently it seems I have come in contact with so much negativity. I go to lunch with a friend looking for encouragement and get doom and gloom. The news continues to spread discouraging reports and the never ending broadcasts of "the sky is falling." Clients share their struggles with being asked to do "more with less."

I am a big fan of Napoleon Hill. I came across this quote from the Napoleon Hill Foundation and thought it tied in so well with Juggling Elephants with the emphasis on the importance of a positive attitude: Develop the habit of eliminating negative thoughts the moment they appear. Start small at first. When you first hear that inner voice that says, 'I can't do this,' put the thought out of your mind immediately. Instead, concentrate on the task itself. Break it down into manageable parts and complete them one at a time. When the job is finished, tell your doubting self: 'You were wrong. I could do it, and I did!'

Maybe we should add to the phrase, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.", the words, "and with a positive attitude." You are going to do the task or tasks anyway. You might as well be positive about it and enjoy the moment...not to mention that those around you will appreciate a little silver lining.

A Fault Finding Circus

It is so easy to find fault. Especially when things are not going the way you want them to go in life. Take it down to the level of the "3 rings" and it is easy to find fault with your work, with your relationships and with your self.

Try flipping your attitude around. Rather than thinking about what is wrong with your job, your relationships and your self, spend time each day focusing on what is right and how lucky you are in each area. Let us reemphasize that you should think of and focus on the positive EACH DAY! Also, when you come across a negative point or think a negative thought, force yourself to think of two positives.

Lou Holtz said, "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." In the end, focusing on the positive will not only make a difference in your attitude but will also improve your performance in your 3 Ring Circus.

The Power of Positivity

Grumpy. Complaining. Pessimist. Not adjectives you would use to describe a good ringmaster... but I bet you have been a lot more like that lately. And you know that it does have a big effect on the performers in your circus as well as your audience.

I recently received an e mail solicitation from the Applied Neuroscience Institute. Yes I know it sounds strange... think "deep research on positive mental attitude." They have a free "Positive Mind Test" you can take in a few seconds and you will get your results back via e mail in a couple of days. I was adventurous and decided to try it because I know the impact my "positivity" has on my motivation and ability to get things done.

The test results were, as the English would say, "spot on." It highlighted both my strengths and weaknesses-and gave a few simple tips on being more positive. I have used several of them this week to stay more focused with my mind.

I encourage you to take the test to better understand how your mental well being is affecting your ability to get your most important things done.

Here's the link to their site: http://www.appliedneuroscienceinstitute.com/ You'll see where to click for the test once you navigate to their page.