Have you listened to yourself, lately? I mean, your inner voice, the one that sounds like a scolding parent or teacher you had back in the day.
I have read the studies. It’s not just me. We have an average of 70,000 thoughts a day, 90% are the same ones as the day before and the vast majority of them are negative.
These are the thoughts that fuel your mindset. If the vast majority of thoughts are negative, how can you possibly have a positive mindset and expectations? Negativity starts with how we judge ourselves, others, and the circumstances.
Leaders – you know it takes every scrap of energy and enthusiasm to lead your Team to collaborate, innovate and drive to get at it!
And when, not if, you are in the midst of thoughts like:
- If we don’t get this done, we are in a world of hurt.
- Why can’t they just get to work, follow the plan?
- If only I had the right people, we could compete in this market.
- I am going to have to have some tough talks, or my head will be on the chopping block.
How can you lead with positivity?
Just this week, my business partner barked at me in frustration” you’re a lone wolf, you are not hearing anything I am offering!” Ouch – that was a jolt. I’m the champion of sage conversations where everyone feels heard, understood and appreciated for their perspectives…Hmm.
Sure… a little leeway is in order, I have been suffering from back pain, but I hadn’t realized how negative and insular I was expressing myself.
Moral of this story…take a listen to your inner thoughts and accept that those thoughts ooze out through your words and body language.
Decide if that is how you want to show up for your team. If not, then you need to pay attention to your inner chatter and change it. Simple to say, not so easy to do.
If you would like some help with changing your inner thoughts…I can help!