Your attitude is your key to success.* Maintaining a positive attitude while you and millions of people across the world are in voluntary or enforced isolation is not easy! The potential for stress, loneliness and fear is high while the motivation to challenge those feelings is low.
- By “success”, I mean generally that you have the peace of mind that comes with doing your best at what you want to be doing – not necessarily great accomplishment or wealth, but at whatever is important to you.
Since we don’t know what will happen in the coming weeks or months (or do we ever?), it’s imperative that we fight to stay present. Instead of zoning out on social media, TV or other vices, let’s tune in and watch our intake, our associations and our affirmations.
Intake
Intake is what you read, watch and listen to. If your intake is on the negative side, you’ll likely have a more negative attitude. Remember, garbage in, garbage out.
- Reduce your exposure to negativity. Seek out positive books, magazines, websites, television shows, movies, music, etc. The more you fill your mind with positive stuff, the better you’ll feel! We are not suggesting that you bury your head in the sand. However, we are suggesting that you look for “what’s good” in the news and in your relationships. For example, when you hear about a community that is working together to help those in need, lean into it and see if you can join (or lead) a similar program where you live.
- Set a daily goal to be positive! Write it down and support it by reading an uplifting quote, listening to positive music or watching an inspirational movie to wind down.
- Never stop learning. Learning allows you to grow personally and professionally. Now that your business is slow, use this time to take an online class or start a virtual book club.
Associations
Associations are the people in your life. We’ve all had those friends or acquaintances who seem to dwell in negativity. But life is too short for that. Don’t let someone else’s attitude drag you down.
- Make a list of people who build you up. Reach out to them (virtually of course!) and let them know you are thinking of them. While you’re at it, let them know why you love their attitude and ask how you can support each other.
- Seek out positive influences. Look for people and organizations that seem to ooze positivity. Connect with them online and use their content to support your positivity.
- Seek out role models and mentors. Find role models and mentors who are not only positive, but successful too. Tap into their knowledge (consider FaceTime, Skype, Zoom etc.) and ask them to help you along your journey.
Affirmations
Affirmations are the things that you say to yourself. We are often our own worst critics. We say things to ourselves that we would never say to others, and that does none of us any good. After all, you might start believing and living up (or really, down) to the way you talk about yourself. However, by consciously seeking out positive affirmations, we can silence our inner critic.
- When you feel discouraged, shift your focus and support others. This act of service is enough to shift your mindset and make you feel positive too!
- Monitor your self-talk. When you catch in negative thinking, stop! Take a pause and flip the script. When you find one thing positive, it’s easier to find the next, and the next.
- Tame that tongue. Similar to monitoring your self-talk, mind what you say in general. Words have power—make sure yours uplift instead of tear down.
In Conclusion
To win the battle against depression, stress, or apathy in this situation, act on these three keys:
- Make sure you take in much more positive than negative messaging, whether that be through the news, social media, reading, etc.
- Seek out positive, up-building associations – positive media and reading is good, and calling or using Zoom to chat with an encouraging friend or mentor is much better!
- Use up-building language with yourself, always. Talk to yourself as if you were talking to someone you love and respect dearly.
Source: A version of this article was provided for distribution by buffiniandcompany.com. All additions, subtractions, deviations, and typos are mine.
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Aaron Lovett is a full-time Realtor in Smyrna, TN, working out of the Weichert Realtors – The Andrews Group office in Murfreesboro, TN. His service area includes Smyrna, Murfreesboro, the remainder of Rutherford county and surrounding areas, including Nashville and Davidson county. He cares for the needs of sellers, buyers, and investors. Aaron has lived in Middle Tennessee for over 20 years. He takes pride in helping home buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals.
