This week’s Quick List is a follow up to our Leadership Quote of the Week which comes from Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl. He says “…the last of human freedoms, to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
I hate to say this because I’ve not had to deal with anything anywhere close to what he dealt with, but it’s not so easy to choose my attitude in some circumstances. Or I should say, not so easy to choose an attitude I’m happy with or proud of. Is the same true for you?
And let me guess – there is at least one person on your team who needs an attitude adjustment. Am I right about that?
Here are ten ways to “choose”, change, affect or shift thoughts and feelings – resulting in a better or more positive attitude and the resulting boosts to morale and productivity. Each of these has worked for me at one time or another. Though I’ll have to admit that sometimes it has taken all ten of them. Over and over.
1. Wherever you are…take 3-5 slow deep breaths. If conditions allow, also close your eyes and plant both feet on the floor. The latter has a grounding effect.
2. Even better…go outside. Breathe in fresh air. Feel the sunshine on your skin. Look out at the horizon. Listen to the birds. Smell a flower.
3. Write in your Gratitude Journal. If you don’t have one, consider starting one. For now though, just write on a piece of paper at least ten things you are grateful for right now.
4. Keep a Judgement Journal for a few days. Write down every judgement you make – good and bad. Include the “who” of each one. Including yourself. What would happen if you let go of those judgements?
5. Go for a bike ride. The wind on your face will feel fabulous. Or go for a run. Pound, pound, pound the pavement. Or hit tennis balls, racquet balls, golf balls. Wap, wap, wap. Get it out of your system.
6. Drink a glass of water and eat an apple.
8. Talk to a friend who makes you laugh.
9. Go to the lake and wallow in the mud – literally or figuratively.
10. Post positive quotes on your computer, bulletin board, car visor, mirror, refrigerator. The one below plus your favorites from the Archives.
P.S. If stuck –ask your coach for help!
Jan works with leaders to boost morale, productivity, engagement and overall performance so that they and their teams make their individual and corporate goals.
This weekly feature is for managers who don’t have time or don’t want to make time to read lengthy articles or even short paragraphs. We call it a Quick List. AKA – 10 by 10 on Tuesday. 10 ( ideas or tips or questions or steps or ways to Get 2 Goal or Be a Better Manager, etc) by 10 (AM – EST) on Tuesdays. Click here if you’d like to see all Quick Lists created to date.
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