positivity

Little things count too

The little things count too

Everyone can dream big and there’s nothing wrong in that. In fact, dreaming big is a major characteristic of an ambitious individual. Setting lofty goals and striving to achieve them is great motivation and a key to success. Success does not come instantly though. It is also important to set short term objectives, be flexible, and to be unafraid to ask for assistance in order to reach ultimate success.

Little PiecesOvercome small challenges

A problem may often seem large and complicated and this  leads us to assume that it is difficult to solve. While this may often be the case, problems can be broken down into smaller more manageable chunks which are less overwhelming. Trying to save the world from pollution is a daunting task. Not littering, composting and recycling are simple steps that benefit the environment despite seeming trivial. Overcoming small problems is one way of contributing to a large solution.

Change OrderSwitch it up

Sometimes simply changing the order in which you solve a piece of the puzzle can make the whole thing easier to decipher. Small changes is perspective can change the entire overview of the problem. This is why you are advised to skip the more difficult questions in a test and do the easier ones first. Not only does it prevent you from wasting time getting frustrated, it also allows you to gain confidence from the problems you can solve simply by breaking the routine of chronological order.

Ask for help

Ask for HelpAs talented and resourceful as we may be their are times when we need help from others. This not only refers to getting help to do what we cannot do alone but also getting help to do what a team can do more efficiently. Asking for help can save both time and effort and can be mutually beneficial to members of a team. We all have different specialities and utilizing our individual strengths in a coordinated manner makes for a stronger and more productive collective group. Help may be much more forthcoming if you reciprocate and also offer to help others out.

PositiveBe Positive

A genuinely positive attitude can have a much greater impact than you expect. Being polite, respectful and showing concern for others may have nothing to do with a specific problem but can affect your mood and the mood of those around you. A simple smile can make the workplace a more comfortable environment. It also makes you more approachable which encourages collaboration.

These are just a few strategies to keep in mind the next time you are trying to achieve a difficult goal. There will be ups and downs but doing these little things may help you get through the more difficult challenges. Keep the big picture in mind but remember you cannot get to your destination without taking the first few little steps.

Avoid Negative Energy

How to fight negative energy

Avoid NegativityWe all have bad days and our moods can affect us as well as others around us. One of the best ways to maintain a good mood is to avoid people and things that we know put us in bad moods. This proactive step puts us is control of our happiness instead of simply reacting to external influences. Simply deciding not to let anything ruin our mood is a good first step to consciously guarding our emotional state.

Negative energy can change our moods in obvious ways as well as subconsciously. The heated argument or the more subtle bad driving experience can both affect our mood. By avoiding negative  energy instead of dwelling on it we reduce the likelihood of it taking control of our mood. Here are a few tricks I use when I am getting annoyed and angry:

  • Go for a walk – the temporary change of environment and the physical activity of walking can be very therapeutic.
  • Listen to music – never underestimate the power of your favourite artist to relate to you when others can’t.
  • Talk to a friend – the negative energy of individuals can be countered by the positive energy of a good friend. That friend just may be able to cheer you up.
  • Think of things that are going right– it is very difficult to stay positive in trying times, but it is also very easy to focus on the negative and ignore the positives. Focusing on what has gone right can help bring things back into perspective.

There is no silver bullet for negative energy. These steps may not always work or it may require a combination of these steps for them to be effective. Please share your own steps for staying positive in trying times in the comments below.