A Positive Workplace Means…Bouncing Back!

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s hard to believe that we’re already more than half way through January! As I’ve traveled around doing my thing these past few years, so many people have asked me how I stay so upbeat and positive! Everyone goes through tough times, and I’m no exception. We’ve all had our share, especially these past couple of years. How we navigate them and “bounce back” is critical to surviving and thriving… personally and professionally.

You’ve heard me say so many times, we are people first in the workplace, then employees! Our unique collection of attitudes, skills, experience, and talents will either help us or hinder us. As we begin another new year, let’s be very mindful of what we need to do to take care of ourselves first – emotionally, physically and spiritually – to remain authentic, resilient, and productive - in the workplace and at home. Everyone goes through tough times. Some people just navigate them better. Ever wonder how they stay so resilient?

Research shows that resilient people share some common qualities – ones that you and I can develop to master the any crisis that comes our way. Here are a few secrets from those experts. I found them to be very helpful and hope you do, too.
1. They stay connected – resilient people rely on others to help them survive tough times; support groups, retreats, friends, networking events, etc.
2. They’re optimistic – negative thinking is just a bad habit and may take some time to change your mindset, but it can be done. Observe the spin you put on your own experiences; challenge yourself to reframe in more positive terms.
3. They’re spiritual - generally, people who are active in the spiritual realm or a religious faith tend to get through difficult times better.
4. They’re playful – resilient people enjoy themselves like children do. They wonder about things, experiment, and laugh! (**Ask me about “Sparkle, the Christmas Elf”)
5. They give back – it’s proven, people who help others live longer.
6. They pick their battles – resilient people tend to focus on things over which they have some influence and not spend time on things they can’t control.
7. They stay healthy – a good diet and physical exercise provide crucial buffers against stress.
8. They actively seek solutions – active coping rather than waiting passively for things to happen – resilient people quickly home in on challenges and devise strategies for dealing with them, whether it’s asking for help, seeking our out resources, learning new skills, or striking out on new paths.
9. They find the silver lining – resilient people convert misfortune into good luck and gain strength from adversity by turning negative events into an opportunity to better themselves.

How resilient are you? Like Tigger, let’s start bouncing!

Here’s to 2010 and new beginnings! Enjoy!