Recently while looking at some papers I’d been keeping, a couple of lines caught my eye:

• (You) should never work in a place where you want to keep your head down.
• Unrestrained venting just transfers your stress to everyone around you and (a favorite)
• How (you) do anything is how you do everything.

 

What can these reminders do for each of us as we face a new day?  How can they help us make our own day – and that of our colleagues and families – better?

 

Start the day with positive intent.

Whatever it takes (looking at pictures of baby animals, meditating, walking, journaling, praying) put your mind in a positive place before you get on with your day.  No excuses.  Do it.  Practice it.  Go on from that point.

 

Start every conversation by smiling and saying something positive.

You have the opportunity to set the tone and to help the other person match your positive mood and approach.  What better way to get any conversation started in a good direction and encourage honest dialogue?

 

Prevent slippage.

Be aware.  Negativity will influence each of us unless we practice, practice, practice positive habits.

Send a praising or thankful email to someone in your support network; it will remind you of the care and support you receive from others and let you acknowledge it.

Start meetings or work conversations not with the challenges to address but by sharing something positive: about life in general, about your team in general or someone specific on the team.  It sets a better tone and still lets the work get done.

Take a positive personal risk.  When someone asks how you’re doing, respond positively: “It’s a beautiful morning and I’m glad to be a part of the day.”

 

None of us goes to work and suddenly has no personal life.  We don’t go home from work and suddenly not have experienced that annoying situation at work.  Using these ideas just may help make each whole day as good as it can be.  Spread throughout a workplace, it’s a sure way to improve and maintain a positive Culture.