Tag: Negativity

Minimizing Negativity

We cannot completely avoid negativity. Sadly, we are surrounded by it. We often face so much negativity it is difficult to see much positive.

Since, we cannot avoid negativity, what can we do to limit its influence, or put a positive spin on it?

First, prayer is where it all starts. God promises to answer, so why not begin at His throne.

Second, focus on spending time with people who are positive.

Third, the material we read and the messages we hear need to ring with optimism. Turning off the television is a positive beginning point.

Fourth, commit to saying at least five positive things every day.

Optimistic Leaders

Optimism serves leaders in much greater ways than the skepticism and negativity so rampant in the influences of our daily life.

Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

Three words stand out as part of this statement: faith, hope, and confidence. Each word feeds on the other and they are interdependent in the relationship between them.

Hope represents an earnest expectation. The confidence that exists in the arena of hope is fueled by the faith that drives the optimism needed to achieve incredible results.

Ask yourself, “What can I do to further develop this optimistic attitude?”

Positive Leadership

We cannot escape the abundance of negative and toxic people, activities, or news.

The choice is ours to allow or not allow this negative and toxic element to take up residence in our mind.

Robert Tew makes this suggestion, “Don’t let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out.”

Consider four ideas: 1) Avoid as much as possible, 2) Learn to walk away or turn it off, 3) Find positive people to spend time with daily, and 4) Be the most enthusiastic person you know.

The choice is ours to make, but leadership cannot thrive when the mind dwells on negative and toxic influences (cf. Phil. 4:8).

Value and Worth

Although the source is unknown, consider this thought, “Surround yourself with people who know your worth. You don’t need too many people to be happy, just a few REAL ones who can appreciate you for who you are.”

Confidence and esteem are lacking in general.

Leaders have the responsibility of showing appreciation for those who need to grow in their confidence.

Think about what it would do for the church to know the value and worth of our contribution and to help others see their value and worth.

Negativity is destructive. We must find a way to avoid negative influences and surround ourselves with positive ones that build worth.

Healthy Leadership

Leaders who desire to please everyone, in reality, end up attempting to please only those who matter least.

Leaders need wisdom to identify the people who aren’t good for them. A few qualities stand out: negativity, cynicism, malicious, deceptive, self-centered, and venomous are unhealthy for any relationship.

The ability to walk away rests upon knowing the value of one’s own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, and walking away takes courage.

The wisdom to know the people who aren’t good for us and the courage to walk away from them are steps toward a happier and healthier leadership.

Leading on the Right Track…

Will Rogers once said, “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

Some people are on the wrong track, and whether they sit still or move in the same direction, if it is the wrong track there are consequences.

The implication involves movement and an intentional movement in the right direction.

Sitting still assures destruction, which is not an option.

Even if we are on the right track, immobility creates a negative impact on the morale of others.

Think about how this powerful thought impacts your leadership.

Leading with Optimism…

Pessimism or optimism? The choice is ours.

Although the author is unknown, the thought is powerful, “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and focus on what could go right.”

Fear is real. No matter how we might deny or ignore its existence, if left unchecked, fear can stop us in our tracks.

Fear of what could go wrong also causes us to worry and dwell on negativity, both of which bring a great level of unpleasantness.

When we focus on what can go right, we lead with a vision of tomorrow that promotes hope and gives people something to believe in for the future.

Optimistic Leadership…

Nelson Mandela said, “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

We are challenged to remain positive and optimistic in a world filled with the kind of hatred that fosters negativity and pessimism.

Dark moments will come, but biblical leaders understand the hope in Christ that endures despair.

The victory Jesus achieved must keep us focused and moving forward.

Positive and Godly Influences…

The world is filled with negativity. We cannot escape a negative and toxic environment. However, we can choose to allow or not allow these negative and toxic elements to take up residence in our mind.

A few suggestions might help when considering what to do.

Avoid as much negativity as possible.
Learn to walk away or turn it off.
Find positive people to spend time with daily.
Be the most enthusiastic person you know (Pro. 23:7).

The choice is ours, but leadership thrives when the mind dwells on positive and godly influences (Phil. 4:8).

Memories…

Memories are good and bad. There are times, events, and people we remember fondly because of the joy experienced. There are also times, events, and people we want to forget because of the negativity experienced.

It would be wonderful if our only memories were positive and fond. However, we know it does not work this way. Memories serve to help us if we learn to do a couple of important steps.

Repeat what works and is successful.

Avoid the consequences experienced and overcome.

If we do so, the future holds greater memories when we recall them.