They say you should "always assume positive intent." It sounds like a cliché, but what if it is actually your greatest professional superpower?
In a world full of noise, maintaining a positive outlook isn't always easy. Sometimes, when the skies seem to fall in business or life, my first reaction is simply to smile. People don't always understand it, but that smile is grounded in the knowledge that things could be worse—and that we have the power to figure out what to do next.
Positivity is a choice that decouples your happiness from external validation. By focusing on energy exchange and gratitude, you can build immense personal resilience.
Smiles are free, but priceless: My friend Brent Leary often points out that I always have a smile on my face. To me, a smile is a micro-gift, given without prejudice in mere milliseconds. It’s an exchange of energy and eye contact that silently says, "May happiness be with you."
Timeless foundations: My attitude is rooted in Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" . I read it in my childhood, and the principles of human connection are just as applicable today.
Happiness is an inside job: It is incredibly difficult not to rely on others for praise and recognition. But true joy shouldn't depend on external validation.
Find delight in the micro-moments:When the world won't give you praise, find joy in things that are permanent. For me, that’s the morning air, flowers on my walk, birds singing, a funny podcast, and watching others succeed.
How do you maintain your positivity when things get chaotic? Share your experiences in the comments below!
The 24/7 news cycle can make the world seem entirely negative, but that simply isn't true. Look around and you'll find delightful people and great news everywhere. Shut out the negativity, assume positive intent, and keep smiling.
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