UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Spreading Positivity
The world is full of negativity. News of death, war, riots, and road rage seems to be everywhere. Each time you turn on the news or go to the store, you notice this. Why not combat negative people and ideas with a good dose of positivity? You can do it with some simple but extremely powerful steps.
1 – Make Smiling a Part of Your Wardrobe
As you get ready in the morning, remember that the best item you can wear is a smile. Everyone looks good with a smile. They are contagious. As you smile at others, you will notice more and more putting on their smiles. That’s a profound fashion statement.
2 – Give Compliments Freely
You know how good you feel when someone tells you they like your new sweater or you look like you are losing weight. Please pay it forward and share a compliment with others. This includes telling a loved one how much you appreciate and love them.
3 – Ask “How Are You?” and Mean It
“How are you” is often used as a friendly gesture. Many people don’t wait to see what the response is. Try looking your co-worker in the eyes, ask them how they are, and then listen to the answer. By doing so, you show you care.
4 – Be On the Lookout for the Silver Lining
People who get stuck in negative thinking often cannot find any positive things in a situation. Instead of focusing on the half-empty glass, look at the half-full glass and find the silver lining of each case.
5 – Listen to Others
People want to be heard, especially when under strain and stress. Offer your time and your ears to sit down and listen to someone who is struggling. Sometimes that is all it takes to help another person feel better and more positive.
6 – Make Someone’s Day with an Act of Kindness
Random acts of kindness go far in encouraging positivity. Pay for someone’s drink at the coffee shop. Open the door and let another customer enter the store ahead of you.
7 – Play Some Uplifting Music
Music enhances our emotions. Find some commercial jingles from your childhood and sing along with your friends. If you are feeling a little down, pull up some cheesy 80s songs or a polka and enjoy.
8 – Use Social Media for Good
Scroll through your social media feed for too long, and you can quickly become depressed. Resist the urge to put your own negativity into the pool. Instead, post some positive quotes or pictures that will make others smile. Share happy stories.
9 – Be an Encourager
People who struggle through a tough spot in life need a cheerleader. Choose to encourage a friend or family member to keep their chin up and continue moving forward. Let them know you believe in them.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Decide today to stop spreading negativity. Enhance this choice by choosing one tip to focus on this week. You might start with smiling more. They are free for you and priceless to others.
2 – Go through your social media contacts, looking for those who tend to be the most negative. Decide who you can unfollow or unfriend, and do so. Removing access to toxic people will help you stay on the path to a more positive mindset.
3 – Think about the last time you spoke to your mom, dad, sister, or other family members. If it has been a while, give them a call and share with them how much you appreciate them being in your life.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
