What is your perspective? Are you quick to judge?

Ever have a negative impression of someone simply because you have heard or were told what others' opinions were of that person?  I have heard a lot of negative things of a manager in the company I work for.  When I was transferred to his department, I was excited about the move with one exception.  That manager.  I had a skewed impression of him simply because of things I have heard of him.  I actually got along with him but was still plagued with the impression that was ingrained in my mind.

One day, my perspective has taken a complete 180.  I was being interviewed by this manager and other members of management to be part of a special projects team.  During the interview, I handed out a small presentation I had created entitled, "Why Me?".  It is a small presentation that lists fun facts and achievements about me from high school, college and other places I used to work for. After the interview was done and as I was leaving, I heard this manager tell the other members of management to stay behind.  I had no idea what that was all about.  The next day, he approached me at my desk and asked me to meet him in the conference room.  I walked into the conference room not knowing what he wanted to talk to me about.  His first words were, "I asked everyone why you are still at the paygrade that you are still at?"  He then proceeded to tell me of how impressed he was with my background and that he was going to do everything he could to put me on the fast track for promotion labeling me as management material.  I was blown away.  All I could think of was that I judged him too quickly.  My perspective has drastically changed.

Everyone can have a different perspective of someone based on their experience with that person but I wonder how many of us have a negative perspective of someone simply because of what we have heard?  I have made up my mind to initially have a positive outlook of people and avoid being tangled up with negative perceptions.  

Self-Confidence Formula

I am currently reading the book, "THINK & GROW RICH" by Napoleon Hill (a must read btw!) and thought I should share this formula for self-confidence.

First: I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life, therefore, I DEMAND of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.

Second: I realize the dominating thoughts of my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action, and gradually transform themselves into physical reality, therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for thirty minutes daily, upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture of that person.

Third: I know through the principle of auto-suggestion, any desire that I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object back of it, therefore, I will devote ten minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of SELF-CONFIDENCE.

Fourth: I have clearly written down a description of my DEFINITE CHIEF AIM in life, and I will never stop trying, until I shall have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

Fifth: I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice, therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects. I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people. I will induce others to serve me, because of my willingness to serve others. I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.

I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory, and repeat it aloud once a day, with full FAITH that it will gradually influence my THOUGHTS and ACTIONS so that I will become a self-reliant, and successful person.

The Cost Of Staying Positive

"It's not as bad as it seems.  I'm cool.  I'm alright.  It could be worse.  No matter what, I will stay positive." 


Have you ever faced a difficult circumstance?  Struggling financially?  Did not get that promotion at work you were hoping for?  Are you that optimist that has motivational posters or sticky notes by your desk full of positive and motivational quotes?  Most of us are smart enough to know that a negative attitude will reap negative results.  A negative attitude will produce fear and fear can cripple you from moving on.  A negative attitude can also cripple your relationships.  It can be a friendship, dating relationship, work relationship or even marriage.  The reality is we have to be positive no matter what.  Is it as easy as just reciting positive quotes and putting up motivational posters by our desks?  They do help but you have to consistently and purposefully work at being positive.  Remember earlier I mentioned that a negative attitude will produce fear.  Well, action cures fear so "just do it"!  Listed below are some action steps you can take:

1.   Read motivational books, magazines, etc.
2.   Work out!  Exercise has many physical benefits but it also relieves mental stress and tension.
3.   Go out!  Be social.  Spend time with family and friends.
4.   Avoid negative people.
5.   No pity parties!
6.   Pursue what interests you.  What are your hobbies?
7.   Try new things.
8.   Take the time to learn something new.
9.   Procrastinating about something you have put aside that needs to get done?  Get it done!
10. Avoid burn out.  Reward yourself when you accomplish goals.

Staying positive means you have to take action.  Is there a cost to staying positive?  There sure is. Is it worth it?

ABSOLUTELY!

SO JUST DO IT!!!