Surround yourself with the positive

Have you found it difficult to be positive lately?  I have been mulling the phrase "Surround yourself with the positive" around in my brain for a week or so... trying to figure out how I can pass along a few tips for those of you that are struggling with this right now, or may struggle in the future.

Interestingly enough, I stumbled onto Leo Babauta's post yesterday titled "How to be a positive person."  The best part of this entire post is Babauta's statement "Positive thinking, as trite as it seems, has changed my life."

Sarah emailed me yesterday and had this to say:  please update my email address so I can get your updates and marketing tidbits etc.  I love your energy and hope you are doing great!  I have a feeling you probably are in spite of all this industry has to throw at us:)

I appreciate Sarah's comment's and to set the record straight, I have felt discouraged at times by all of the junk our industry has endured over the last two years or so.  But I have worked hard to keep those moments to a minimum.  (though you may remember my rantings about taking the 20 hour NMLS class)

Are you energetic... IN SPITE of all this industry has thrown at you?  Surrounding yourself with the positive can have a huge impact on your ability to stay energetic and motivated.  Here are my suggestions:

• When I am doing a something that doesn't require me to be on the phone I often listen to soothing music on Pandora.   I choose upbeat music if I'm doing something such as organizing or cleaning out the office.

• Ignore the negativity.  This is especially important at the office.  Walk away from the gossip and complaining.  Don't let yourself get caught up in the trivial complaints about co-workers, underwriters, closers, appraisers, title companies, etc.   We all have our quirks and we all make mistakes.

• Look for reasons to compliment and build up those around you.  You'll be amazed at how quickly this will lift YOUR spirits.  Make it a goal to say something positive to each person in your office.

• Keep your space organized and tidy.  Working in a mess will not help you feel motivated and energized.  Go in early, stay late or use part of a weekend to get your office organized and reduce the clutter.

• Think of the most positive Realtor you know.   Invite them to lunch and ask what their secret to being positive is.  Is there a loan officer in your company that has this type of positive attitude?  Give them a call and ask them as well.

• Spend a few minutes each day reading something motivating.  Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude is a great choice. 

• Decide that you are going to be positive.  As trite as this sounds, it is often a very fine line between positive and negative.  Let the discouraging things roll off your back and get excited about your business.

Let me know in the comments what you do to stay positive....   and have a great day!

Comments

[Liz Richardson]

I actually go for a walk around the block... kind of tough when weather is bad, but this helps me clear my head. Thank you for all the motivation!

[James]

I like to bring in candy, snacks or lunch when things start to get stressful in the office. Spending a few minutes chatting can be nice. But I will admit it is hard to not start a complaining when we are all talking. I'll have to work on that one.

[Shawn Matthews]

First and foremost, just make a decision to be positive, as a leader that is a must. You can set the tone for the entire office, good or bad. Other things you can do include exercise, being around others who are positive, listening to some upbeat music, get outside and walk around; all of these are helpful. Your post is very good as well.