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By: Nayana Sen, MBA PMP
Happy New Year! A month has already passed in the new year, and hopefully you are on track to meet the goals you have set for yourself. If you feel a little off track, then try not to be discouraged. It takes time and discipline to meet new challenges and achieve your goals.
The most important component in meeting your goals is having a positive mental attitude. It's time to evaluate yourself, and determine whether you are holding yourself through negativity?
Negativity may affect your life on multiple levels. It has the power to ruin relationships, decrease work performance, and increase stress levels. The good news is that you can fight it by changing your mindset.
If you are not sure where to start, then check out these smart and effective ways to protect yourself from negativity:
Don't Take It Personally
Most people act or react to their current circumstances based on their previous experiences. You just happen to be on the receiving end of someone’s attitude, but that doesn’t need to define you. You can only control yourself and your own reactions to the things that happen in your life. The hardest challenge you may face in adopting a positive mindset is learning not to take things personally. It is hard not to internalize the actions of others, especially when those actions seem hurtful. Just remember that it is not your responsibility to ensure others feel good about their lives or choices.
The best way to overcome negativity is through kindness and authenticity. Be kind to others, and yourself. Be authentic in your interactions with others, and stay true to who you are. When you are living in your own truth, it is easier not to take things personally.
Set Boundaries
No matter how hard you try, you'll never be able to please everyone. On the contrary - people will always come up with new demands and take advantage of your kindness. When you place greater emphasis on attending to the needs of others rather than yourself, then you cannot expect to meet your own goals.
If you have goals that are important to you, then you have to learn to set priorities in your life. Learn to say no as needed, and set clear boundaries. Examples of boundaries may include time, money, resources, and most importantly your energy. We all have a finite amount of energy we can expend in any given day. Make sure you set boundaries that help preserve your energy, and use that energy to meet your own goals.
The word “no” is a complete sentence.
Identify and Implement Solutions
Those who understand the law of attraction know that problems and solutions do not exist on the same vibrational plane. Most people tend to focus on the problems they are facing instead of actively seeking solutions. You cannot solve problems when focusing on the problem itself. The focus on the problem results in feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction because the right solution will remain elusive. You will more than likely be overwhelmed with inaction when you focus on the problem, rather than the solution.
Think about how often you are faced with a challenge, and you continue to think about how to address the problem. The best way to work towards achieving your goals is to focus on the solutions instead of the problems. There may be multiple solutions to a problem. In project management, the solution to a problem is addressed in one of 3 ways: do the minimum to address the problem, invest in a long-term solution, or do nothing at all.
The same concepts apply to your problems. Not all problems need solutions, focus on addressing the problems that have the most impact on your life and goals. Consider multiple solutions for the most pressing problems, and decide which solution will have lasting effect on the problem. When you remove the attachment you have to the problem, the solution appears.
Adopt a Positive Mindset
You cannot simply wipe out negativity from your life. It is often a gradual process of changing the way you think. This year you can meet your personal or professional goals, but it will take work. Start with gratitude and watch your life change for the better. Be grateful for what you have and then seek ways to achieve more. Start a gratitude journal and write a few things every day. That will reinforce positive thinking patterns and reduce negativity.
Your positive attitude will also inspire others and strengthen your relationships. The more you focus on the good in your life, the more opportunities will arise.
This year can be your best year, and every year after that can be even better. You can meet your goals, and it must start with a shift in your personal attitude.
Suggested Reading:
Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude
by Napoleon Hill (Author), W. Stone (Author)