Tag: Negative

Change

Why does the idea of “change” create such fear on the part of so many people? One possible answer is the idea that change brings something negative or bad. Change is also associated with introducing liberalism.

Change, however, can be a positive, powerful, and necessary approach to growth. Mandy Hale says, “Change can be scary, but you know what’s scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing.”

Change is biblical; we call it repentance. It still means change.

Our fear of change must not stifle us from achieving all that God can do through us if we will but change.

Finding Our Strength (Part 2)

Where does the strength we need come from when we find ourselves in difficult times? Consider two possibilities.

1) Find a way to express your feelings and share the burden with someone. One of the most helpful avenues to find strength is through expression, which can take numerous forms: writing, singing, talking, physical activity, and more.

2) Remember God’s goodness and trust He knows our plight. An area that provides strength is memory. The ability to remember is a precious gift. While we often remember the negative side of life, we also remember God’s providential blessings. He will see us through.

Highlight Reel Leadership

While watching ESPN recently, I noticed the negative way commentators used the highlights of a specific NBA player. They only showed the mistakes he made over the last few months. The intent was to question his ability to play at the needed level.

I’ve seen enough highlight clips to know it works both ways. Most often, commentators highlight the incredible plays from an athletes career to showcase their ability.

It made me wonder about leadership. When people look at our lives and replay the highlights, do they showcase the amazing ways we’ve influenced others for good, or do they only show the negative?

We must live in a way to showcase the positive changes our leadership makes.

The Ecstatic Leader

Leaders are responsible for solutions, maintaining a positive morale, and addressing the challenges head-on in order to keep the organization moving forward.

Rarely do we associate the idea of glamorous with leadership.

Consider the impact a leader has when their energy level is the driving force to accomplish goals.

What it comes down to is a decision. We can permit ourselves to be drawn into the negative side of leadership, or we can choose to step up with a different approach, changing direction in ways that influence others toward greater achievement.

Either way, the choice is ours. Let us make an ecstatic impact.

Positive Leadership

Our world is immersed in negativity.

We experience it in our schools, work, home, and the church. Just writing these words comes across as negative, so how can we turn it around and maintain a positive focus?

1) Spend time with positive people. Use the time God gives us to be with positive influences.

2) Stop and think. Decide to only say something that builds up others in a positive way.

3) Eliminate excuses. What we say and do is the result of a choice. Choose the positive.

4) Be the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. A positive attitude is contagious.

Find a positive way to lead that is worth your time. (See Philippians 4:8)

Leading With Attitude

The attitude of a leader makes the difference.

A negative, self-centered, sadistic, apathetic, and indifferent attitude is destructive. At the same time, a positive, self-less, compassionate, and thoughtful attitude is powerful.

I once heard the question asked, “Is your attitude worth catching?

What can we do to improve our attitude?

1) We need to be careful what we allow into our mind.
2) Develop positive affirmations and write them down.
3) Avoid emotional “vampires” who tend to suck the joy out of any good situation.
4) Set and achieve daily goals.
5) Act like a “maniac.” MaryAnn Troiani says “happy people are maniacs on a mission.”

Catching Fire

Leaders need to stop looking at the negative, discouraging, and depressing nature of situations, and step up with some enthusiasm that will take action.

Steve Harvey says, “Catch fire today! Make today the day you stop complaining and do something!”

Nothing is more significant to the development of solid leadership than “catching fire.”

Somehow, leaders must present an example of moving away from the individualistic / humanistic philosophy that characterizes so much of our world.

Imagine a world where leaders spent their time focused on developing others to reach their greatest potential.

Now there is a vision worth catching fire to achieve.

May it be so!

Positive Leadership…

Is it possible in our culture to avoid negativity? No! We cannot completely avoid negativity. Sadly, we are surrounded by it. We often face so much negativity it becomes difficult to see anything positive.

What can we do to limit negativity’s influence?

Why not begin at God’s throne and seek guidance in overcoming the issue.
A good dose of optimism from friends is another place to help.
Limiting social media is a positive direction.
Commit to saying at least five positive things every day.

These few steps will move us in a positive direction.

Define, Destroy, or Strengthen…

The reality of bad things happening is inevitable. No one is immune to the negative, discouraging, or bad that occurs, even if it is a matter of perspective.

However, regardless of one’s perspective, the choice of what is done when these events happen is what makes the difference in life.

While we do not know who said it, the following thought is powerful: “When something bad happens you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.”

When difficulties come, let us always use them to better prepare us to lead.

The Power of Optimism…

Optimism includes hope and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something.

The negative nature of life’s experiences can hinder optimistic leadership, but here are a few suggestions to lead with optimism.

1) Remember, not everyone is against you.
2) Stop trying to live in or change the past, you cannot.
3) Be surrounded by optimistic people who cast a vision of hope.
4) Be realistic about personal expectations.
5) Accept who you are as a person.
6) Express gratitude for what you have physically and spiritually.
7) Reflect more often on the positive areas of life.

Try being optimistic and see how contagious it becomes.