It's Easy to be Negative!

Hard work never harmed anyone. Yet, I find that people tend to make excuses and negative remarks when it comes to challenges rather than own up to them and work hard. Why is this? A little elbow grease isn't going to hurt you! Putting in effort takes more energy and work than simply being negative. It is a sad state of affairs when I think my peers rather be negative and not accomplish something versus overcoming the challenge itself. So, if you find yourself being negative today- try the following two steps and start working on the challenges!

1. Change the way you talk.

If you feel the urge to say something negative, don't. Make a mental note to not repress the statement either. Simply find a way to rephrase your thoughts or feelings in a more positive tone. This exercise does wonders for the subconscious.

2. Say no to criticism.

If you tend to comment on what people are doing, without the comment being nice, then don't say anything at all. This is harder than you think. We, as people, tend to talk with each other about each other. If you head out with your girlfriends, observe how many times the topic of other people come up. If the person isn't in the room, don't say anything negative about him or her. It seems easy, it's not!

Changing how you think and how you speak will change how you take on challenges. I promise you more will get done, even hard tasks, when you alter your outlook and the way you talk.

Until next time,

Twyla

www.authortwylagarrett.com

Debbie Downer..... how to shut her up.

I know I am being blunt right now. It is necessary. We all know a Debbie Downer. She is someone who takes the fun out of everything. She isn't positive and her spirit crushes any sense of ambition. Well, I have devised three ways to shut the Debbie Downer in your office up. Here they are:

#1. Start with isolating the problem. If Debbie Downer complains at every company function, put her (or him) in charge of something. Keep that person busy so their negativity doesn't impact the rest of the team's fun and productivity. Have Mr. or Mrs. Downer check in people, be in charge of the open bar tally, or take notes at the meeting. After a few functions of busy work, and not having an input with the actual group or company, Debbie Downer will be forced to figure out that she has been isolated and needs to become more positive to be part of the team.

#2. Address him or her. If Debbie Downer hasn't figured out that he or she has been isolated for a reason, or the behavior gets worse, then you have to be forward and address them. I know confrontations are hard but a negative person can drag gown your company's moral and profit margin. Be polite, but be firm and to the point. Express that the negativity isn't going to be tolerated.

#3. Fire Mrs. Downer. If you address the negativity issue with an employee and the behavior continues- fire him or her. Don't stand around requesting change or hoping for it. Instead, change the employee for someone who is more matched with your team or company's culture. Steps one and two are strikes one and two. Remember, third strike and you're out!

Until next time,
Twyla