I wonder what your initial reaction was when reading the title. It could certainly apply to a variety of topics these days. Did you expect a dire warning? Or perhaps a hopeful message to lift up others? You might take a moment to reflect. What you anticipated might reveal your level of optimism this morning.
This really has little to do with my writings (although, I certainly hope you expect nothing but encouragement when you tune in here). This represents a simple yet profound test of your everyday life – a positivity test!
What you achieve in life often depends on your expectations. Assume your day will be ruined and it likely will be. Expect your plans to work out and you’ve got a better shot at making them happen.
The Scrooges out there say, “yeah, but what about everyone else?” Well, I’m glad they mentioned it. You certainly can’t go it alone (even with a positive attitude). You interact with dozens, maybe hundreds of people each and every day. They also play a role in how things turn out and the outcomes you experience. However, that’s the magic of your optimism – it has the ability to influence everyone else.
Your goal in life shouldn’t be at all concerned with other people’s opinions about you, that said, there is always a way to make a difference with those you meet. I believe this is the one thing that you can give to everyone every single day of your life and it costs nothing to give. Your positive demeanor and near-infinite optimism are contagious to all those around you.
Now, I know this takes work and it’s not always easy. You may feel some people don’t even deserve it but remind yourself of that old expression, “Kill ‘em with kindness.”
The question is how do you keep an endless supply day after day. Well, you won’t find at Santa’s Workshop, you can’t buy it off of any shelf, nor search an online store.
The key to it all is to have an attitude of gratitude and a spirit of genuine appreciation for life, for people, for yourself, for opportunity, for everything.
When you have this, it radiates from you. Your outward energy automatically becomes more optimistic and the people around you are quick to replicate.
The world needs more leaders of positivity. And if someone has to do it, why not you who makes the commitment to give this to everyone you meet.
This is the season we strive to be a little bit nicer, a little bit more patient, a little bit kinder, a little bit more generous. With all of these actions, a little bit does go a long way, but if there were one thing I’d challenge you to do more of than you think is necessary and if there were one thing to take more initiative on – it would be this right here.
So, as the days get shorter and the holidays get closer, remember this… no matter what you buy for others and regardless of the gifts you give, know that the greatest impact you can ever make on someone will always be your authentic hopefulness, your attitude of gratitude, and your sincere appreciation for others!
