We are living in difficult times that will be talked about for generations. Very strict financial restraints, jobs unexpectantly put on hold or terminated, loss of income and employment, services you need being unavailable because of the government shutdown, and all the extra stressors that come with life. When you put it in that context, the situation and perceived outcome appear to be bleak at best.
There is no doubt that we all have more stressors than we care to acknowledge, yet we are still expected to get the job done effectively and efficiently and make life happen for ourselves and those who depend on us
The point of this is not to tell you things you already know, but present ideas and tools to assist you with the challenges we are facing. You are all extremely smart, innovative, and creative. But there is one more thing that we need to add to our arsenal of attitudes:
Redefined resilience
When we think of resilience, we often think, “When you fall down, dust yourself off and get back up.” While true, I want you to think about it in a broader, less catastrophic specific, and a more daily challenge specific sense. Circumstances take away certain tools we have been using, but we are still expected to get the job done.
We can approach this in two ways: You can complain about it, make excuses as to why it can’t be done, blame others, or you can solve the problem. Be resilient. Control the controllable. Yes, it will require a little more effort, a little more ingenuity, a little more effective and creative communication, but it can be done. There will be setbacks, but that is life. Press forward and try again.
This is what separates us from everyone else. It is our ability to rise above and change our thinking methodology from “I can’t do this,” to “how can I do this?”
One of the most important ways of accomplishing this task of solving the problem is our attitude.
It really is that simple. The secret, however, is putting our attitude into action.
Attitudes are two things: They are extremely contagious, and they are very magnetic. This, however, works for both positive AND negative attitudes. I know you have all seen it. One person is in a horrible mood and seemingly without fail, the attitudinal atmosphere around them shifts. Flip that around and the atmosphere is charged. You would be astonished at what you could accomplish with the foundation of a positive attitude. It is the conduit to productivity, success, teamwork, and accomplishment.
Lastly, nothing we do, from the smallest of things to the biggest of things happen without a thought.
Everything begins with a thought.
That single thought will dictate a decision. The decision enables action which creates momentum enabling further action. This process works with both positive and negative thoughts. You must choose how to handle each situation, every confrontation, and every challenge. I will tell you that YOU have the power to control how you think. YOU have the power to control how you react. When it comes down to it, everything is else is just a variable and obstacle that we must overcome.
I challenge all of you to solve the problem.
Don’t be the problem. Times are tough, I get it but complaining about it and blaming others is going to get nothing accomplished. Solve the problem. I also challenge you to take an honest look at your attitude and make the effort to make it and keep it positive.
The last thing I challenge you with is to have that thought – the thought to make the things around you better in order to make the decision put it all into action.
It all starts with you.
“People are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves; they, therefore, remain bound.” ~ John Maxwell