i’ve been accused of having a positive attitude. i’ve heard it several times over the years.
i’m not sure if that’s good or not, but i would say that it beats the alternative. there is nothing i hate more, in business or life, than a complainer. actually, that’s a lie (i don’t hate liars…ha!) i hate whiners. everyone’s got to complain now and then. that is just venting, letting it out – letting it go. that, every now and then, is no big deal. it’s whining that i can’t stand. don’t whine in America. go whine in a country where your freedom is limited, go whine in a place where you don’t have a choice. i’ve been in a leadership position now for over 15 years and my advice to someone who whines or gossips about their job is – for crying out loud – leave!
my positive attitude stems from this: the grass is greenest where you are now.
think “what if.” this just doesn’t have to do with your career but your life in general. think to yourself “what if this is as good as it gets and it is only my attitude that sucks?” do a check on your attitude and outlook on life in general and if the answer then is – no this truly sucks, then move on. it’s taking ownership of your life. by switching your thinking that the grass is actually greenest where you are right now should change your perspective from pointing to external circumstances and pointing the finger at yourself. how am i in control of this?
“i know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor” – Henry David Thoreau
i think it’s important to be hyper self-aware before you make sudden moves. my positive attitude stems from the question i try to ask myself: “did i make a positive contribution to my surroundings, my goals and my team today and did i do my very best in this situation?” i’ve trained myself to think this way.
it also stems from something i learned in advertising almost 22 years ago: a good account executive shows what they are made of when they are under fire. i learned that when i was 22 years old and it stuck with me. when the shit hit the fan, i wanted to be the leader -even if i was the intern! – that rose above the anarchy (that ad has to go out tonight!! the client hates the font, the meeting was moved to today, she quit and went to the competition!!!) and said “BUCK UP, LET’S DO THIS AND DO IT WELL!”
while i may have a positive attitude most of the time, it doesn’t mean i’m a pushover or pollyannish. but it does make me realize that someone’s else’s crappy or bitchy attitude probably has more to do with their outlook on life than on me. <hopefully!>
if you don’t already, start thinking about your life in the terms that the grass is greenest where you are right now and see where it takes you! oh, and read this book asap. i promise it will change your life!
happy tuesday!
