Do you find it tough to smile when the wind is blowing against you and the tide is against the current?
Do you wonder how you can take or make that next call?
Do you wish you had the energy to do that “one thing?”
Whether you are in sales, a job transition, or just trying to get through the day, this post is designed to deliver ten concrete tips to give you the guidance and push you need.
Along with often being asked where I get my energy, I regularly get asked how I stay mentally up even when things are down. The answer can be found in two key similar but yet slightly different concepts: attitude and enthusiasm.
I truly believe attitude is something you wear — something you put on in the morning — just like a piece of clothing. My clients and audience both expect me to have a good attitude. Employers expect their employees to maintain a good attitude — along with a professional demeanor — throughout each day. Simply stated, you have to leave the personal baggage at the door. Positive attitude is demonstrated by a smile, treating co-workers and customers with respect. Conversely, poor attitude can be experienced by others as someone who is easily irritable and cranky. No one likes to be around others who are continually whining or complaining. Those with positive auras and personalities attract and those perceived with negative or moody dispositions repel.
Enthusiasm on the other hand cannot be an act or instantaneously “put on.” The definition for enthusiasm comes from the Greek word entheous which translates to “God within.” In other words, whatever beliefs you have within drive your outward energy and appearance. Unlike attitude, enthusiasm cannot be “put on” as a self-generated façade. Enthusiasm is not “faking it until you make it.” It comes from authentically looking in the mirror and liking the reflection you see. It comes from loving your work and using your God-given talents and abilities the best you can, wherever you can.
Following, I will share how to take action in order to maintain a positive attitude no matter whether you have a case of the occasional blues or life circumstances create adversity beyond your control.
Ten Tips for Maintaining a Winning Attitude
- Seize the day: Be an early riser and take control of the day before your day controls you. Set alarms, set your coffee to auto brew, or ask someone for a wake up call.
- Feed your mind like you would your body: Your brain needs nourishment. If you are down, avoid the news and the papers. Important information will find its way to you. Fill your mind with motivational / inspirational messages. You can also listen to uplifting music. When I am down, my theme songs are “Get on Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan and “You’ve Got to Get up Every Morning”, by Carole King. And, to my husband’s chagrin, I play them over and over and sing aloud too.
- Feed your body: Let it work for you, even when you are not working. Stress and depression can take a toll on our physical well being. Eat healthy and take those daily vitamins. I am big Juice Plus+ fan.
- Energize through exercise: Engage in physical fitness… even if it is only 15 minutes a day and do not forget those few deep breaths.
- Avoid whining and complaining: Share your plight and gain some empathy, but know when it is time to let it go and move forward.
- Put on your Sunday best: When you are down, there is no better energizer than a good compliment. Look your absolute best, even when casual. It is nice to hear that “you look nice,” even when you do not feel good.
- Put on your smile: It can be heard. Recently I was fighting a challenging situation, and I told myself to just keep smiling. I checked into the same hotel for the third time in 3-months and the front desk manager said, “Welcome, here you are again… with your smile.” The outside showed something different than the inside, but her compliment disarmed what was brewing inside me.
- Cry after 5: Just do it. Make your plan and work your plan. Cry after 5 means put your best foot forward throughout your working hours and give yourself permission to grieve, mope or whatever else you might be feeling, but do it after5:00 PM.
- Dial a “perk me up.” Call someone who lifts you up just to hear their voicemail. You will find it might give you a lift and a little smile.
- Leave with your flags flying: If you are thinking of quitting anything in life, make it your best effort to quit when you are on top. Give yourself permission to quit only when you know in your heart that you gave it 110%.
We all have to jumpstart our attitude at times by acting as if it were so. Look for my next piece on how to truly create an enthusiastic life where you are energized, empowered and excited to do the things you love to do.