Positive affirmations are simple yet powerful statements that you can repeat to yourself daily to shift your perspective and focus on the good.
When we are constantly bombarded with negativity - whether it be from our own inner critic or external sources - it can be easy to get caught in a spiral of self-doubt and negative self-talk. But by intentionally choosing to focus on positive affirmations, we can rewire our brains to think more positively and build our confidence.
On a scale of 1-5, how well do you get (and stay) focused at work?
To what degree do you find it difficult to stay mentally focused on any one task for extended periods of time? When was the last time you can point to that you were able to “get in the zone” and be truly productive for an extended period of time? You know. Those moments when you look up at the clock after working on a project for a while and say to yourself, “Wow! I can’t believe it. Two hours have gone by and feels like five minutes.”
As I began my morning scripture reading, affirmations, and reflection the other day, I realized how challenged I am. I literally had to reread one particular passage 5-7 times before I could truly focus on the message. I’ll bet you can relate.
Thoughts of what I needed to do, appointments I anticipated, and responsibilities I needed to take care of kept me bombarding my mind. It felt like I was experiencing the phenomena that author John Ortberg describes as “the monkeys are jumping around in the trees”. Ha! You know what I’m saying? And that was BEFORE I started my workday.
It’s no secret that we are growing increasingly distracted with the rise of social media, the always-on mentality of email and cell phone communication, and the hurried paces of our lives.
But do we stop to consider the actual cost of distraction and how to protect ourselves against it?
It's 5 AM, and you hear your alarm going off -- what do you do?
Do you hit the snooze button a few times or begin your morning routine?
I know what you're thinking…" Bill, 5 AM is really early!"
Yes, it is, especially on a Friday! But hear this - the time you wake up isn't necessarily important -- but waking up early enough to have a few quiet, intentional moments to start your day before being interrupted is.
Why is this important?
Well, having a solid morning routine can set you up for a wildly productive day -- and not having one can set you back.
When the alarm went off this morning, did you want to pull the covers back over your head and not face the day?
Is there a challenge you are facing that you feel STUCK in?
Feeling stuck stinks. We say this all the time in coaching.
Yet, because of the unique challenges of leadership, it’s easy to get stuck.
Behind my desk is a shelf where I keep a few special treasures.
These treasures aren’t of significant monetary value, but to me, they’re worth their weight in gold.
On this shelf, I keep a handful of thank-you notes that I’ve received from people who are incredibly important to me.
Why do I keep them?
Is there someone in your workplace who isn’t pulling their weight?
Or how about at home?
Do you know a couch surfer – or someone who’d rather operate the remote than the dishwasher?
Let’s face it – we’ve all known an unmotivated person at one time or another – and if we’re honest, we’ve all probably felt unmotivated at one point in our life.
So whether you are feeling unmotivated at this moment – or are looking to motivate someone who seems unmotivated, the question becomes – how do you motivate an unmotivated person?
Everyone wants to be happier. I believe this to my core, yet sometimes we are unsure how to become happier.
Becoming happier doesn't have to be complicated.
The science behind happiness shows us that you're happier when you make choices that promote the release of the brain's "happy chemicals."
These chemicals are endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.
Here's a summary of what we've learned about the brain's "happy chemicals" and a dozen science-based and actionable steps you can take to become happier TODAY.
Why are Hallmark Christmas movies so enticing? What is the draw to these cheesy and predictable stories?
You're probably thinking, "Bill, Christmas is still six months away – it's way too early to talk about the Hallmark channel."
I agree, but check this out...
Hallmark has discovered a way to repeat a storyline a million times over and still keep people enthralled and tuning in – time and time again.
What's their secret?
We all want to become happier.
Don't believe me?
A record 352 billion dollars is forecasted to be spent this year alone on advertising. Knowing this, consider all of the advertisements you see daily for products, vacations, relationships, careers, investments, and other means of pleasure, contentment, and happiness.
If your feed looks like my feed, you'll find a lot of paths to happiness through the marketing coming at you!
But what if the true path to happiness was much more straightforward – more scientific and biological even?
In Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek says,
"Whether acting alone or in concert, in small doses or large, anytime we feel any sense of happiness or joy, odds are it is because one or more of these chemicals is coursing through our veins."
So in the quest for happiness, you must ask yourself, how can I create an environment to release these chemicals?
Let's talk more about that today – and specifically dopamine.
What causes happiness?
Do you need to go somewhere to find it?
Is it a dollar amount at the end of a bank statement?
Is happiness an achievement?
Is it found in a new (or restored) relationship?
Is happiness found in time away, time alone, or time with a loved one?
Any of these experiences or places can lead to a happy feeling – which we often crave. But happiness isn't any of those things – but rather a response to what is happening in your biologically when you experience examples like the ones above.
Statistically speaking, the average employed person spends 8.10 hours per day on the job.
That’s 2,106 hours per year – and in other words, a really long time to be in a work environment.
Knowing this, how do you feel when you walk into your office?
Are you excited about the day?
Are you anxious or nervous about what will take place?
Are you looking forward to who you’ll connect with?
Are you keeping your head down so your coworkers don’t notice you’re there?
When was the last time you were genuinely joyful at work?
I'm not talking about simply being content, happy, or even satisfied with your job – but truly joyful at work.
It seems from many coaching conversations lately that joy is much needed in today's workspaces.
The lack of joy is everywhere.
I don't need to explain to you what joylessness turns into. I'm sure you understand (and may have even experienced) the effects of joylessness at one point or another.
But let's focus on joy today and how to develop it at work.
![L2_Event-7[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53b08d1ce4b0384cc89f2b45/1442198557956-OUBKGAZ3ACS6XNQ58S1D/L2_Event-7%5B1%5D.jpg)
