We all have good days, where everything goes our way. We also all have all-too-frequent bad days, where it seems like everything goes wrong. Both kinds of days may seem inevitable, but what if I told you there are steps you can take, so your bad days are bearable, and your good days are even better?

People often ask me: “Darryl Hicks, you’re the CEO of two Tungsten companies, and you’ve got so much on your plate. How do you stay positive?” The secret lies in making sure every day is an improvement upon yesterday. Here are 10 ways I accomplish that; try them out and see if they work for you.

If you’ve ever watched NASCAR, then you’ve probably seen the spectacular wrecks that happen in every race. Those cars go over 200 miles per hour, which is the key ingredient for those disasters. Your life, however, is not a race. So why are you racing through your tasks? Learn to slow down, and make your work more about being high-quality than about getting 100 things done in an hour.

Do you want to be more positive? If you surround yourself with people who complain a lot, it’s going to be several times harder for you. Take a look at all the good qualities of people, and find those with the qualities you want to inherit. Trust me, it works.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people complain about someone else, and then not talk to them about it. How is the problem supposed to be fixed if you don’t do anything about it? Whether it’s a boss, family member, significant other, or anyone in-between, don’t be afraid to sit down and talk to them. You’ll both feel better about it in the long run.

After all, what if you need their help? No one can do everything by themselves, no matter how successful they are. Need proof? Watch an award show like the Oscars, and count how many times the words “thank you” are thrown around. There’s nothing wrong with needing a hand, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for one.

Have a big decision you’ve been mulling over? Go for it! Don’t let anything hold you back. Often, one of the biggest regrets people have in life is not taking enough chances. Don’t let that one be yours.

Staying positive is harder when you’re sick in bed. Don’t put off visits to the doctor or the dentist. Pencil in an appointment or two now.

Saying thank you is good for both parties involved. Think of someone who has had a positive impact on you lately, and take time to thank them. Better yet, thank them in writing; I find it has a greater impact that way.

Take thanking a step further: give a gift of gratitude. Or, give to a stranger, or a charity. Studies have shown, people who give often are more optimistic about their impact with the world, and are therefore happier.

Ask yourself “Why?” Why do you do what you do? Keep the big picture and your larger goals in mind. If you’re in charge of other people, communicate the why to them, so they understand why their work is important as well. The best teams all have the same mission in mind.

Holding grudges is bad for stress levels. Learn to forgive these people, and forget their past wrongs, especially if they are asking for it.

If you have any questions with any of these ten, drop me a line at Darryl Hicks Tungsten, and I’ll review your case and help you however I can. After all, helping people is my way of giving back and staying positive; what’s yours?

source: https://darrylhickstungstenblog.wordpress.com/