A parent of one of our karate students asked me (via a private Facebook message) how do I stay ‘so positive’ all the time; what is my ‘secret’ to staying focused, motivated, and positive? As I began to answer her privately, I stopped myself and thought that I would answer this question on my Facebook page. So here it is, a collection of thoughts, tips, rules and ‘mind-sets’ on how I personally stay ‘so positive’ MOST of the time…
1. I surround myself and hangout with like-minded people who energize me AND I do the best that I can to avoid those energy vampires.
2. I learn from, and get inspired by, other positive, inspiring and motivating people.
3. I ask myself the kind of questions that lead to personal empowerment, growth and SOLUTIONS.
4. I regularly get excited about the possibilities – sometimes too excited!
5. I don’t focus on negatives – I invest my emotional energy where it will give me the best return.
6. I focus on the stuff that I can change and let go of the stuff I have no control over.
7. I am constantly revisiting my vision, motivation, goals and plans of ACTION.
8. I dedicate time every day to ‘switching off’ and having fun for fun’s sake. Strategic silliness. (this is one of my most challenging things)
9. I give myself the permission to express myself creatively.
10. I give my myself the permission dream. Sometimes my mind keeps me awake all night!
11. I invest time into others. People who are completely self-focused tend to have more downs than ups.
12. Whatever most people my age do, I try and avoid. ;-)
13. I regularly take stock of my life and consciously appreciate everything in it and about it. I am always acutely aware that my life is great and that I am blessed to be where I am.
14. I set high standards for myself. I want to be exceptional and do exceptional things, and I will. Not because I’m particularly talented, but because I am prepared to work hard. I love to explore and push the boundaries of my potential.
15. I love swimming against the tide and ‘wading in the water’ (even when, at times, big waves will attempt to take me under.
16. I love doing what most people don’t or won’t. I love being unconventional and throwing ‘logic’ out the window (now and then). Sometimes logic is a synonym for fear and ignorance.
17. I look after myself physically. I don’t smoke, drink or use drugs! Being physically fit and healthy, helps me stay focused on a mental, emotional and creative level. It’s very hard to be ‘up’ when you’re physically unwell.
18. My self-talk/communication is positive. I do my best not to beat myself up, feel sorry for myself and indulge in ‘pity parties’.
19. I get great feedback and support from lots of amazing people – like you. Thanks.
20. I keep stimulated and challenged by doing lots of different stuff! I thrive on variety and change – private coaching, public speaking, film-making, podcasting, producing, graphic design, blog writing, acting, martial arts, teaching, mentoring, website design, social media engagement and every so often, I make an appearance TV or film. If I had to do the same thing day in, day out, I would be in trouble. I have made a career out of my passion. I get paid to do what I love.
21. I strive to spend quiet time alone recharging my batteries. No phone, no internet, no TV, no people, no noise, no distractions. I connect with ‘little Peter’ (the skinny and shy eight year-old me from yesterday) for a while and see what he has to tell me. Sometimes the only person we don’t listen to is ourselves.
See, that was short and sweet. I knew I could do it.
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Enjoy your day.
