Presented by Linda Mechem The Optimism Webinar
Good to Great by Jim Collins PMA Positive Mental Attitude
5 Primary Areas to Cover Today 1. The difference between optimism and pessimism 2. Emotional intelligence (EI) and self-talk 3. The Stockdale Paradox 4. Relationships 5. Maintaining a positive attitude
Optimism and Pessimism: Choices Perspectives Best
Definitions Optimalism: The willingness to accept failure while remaining confident that success will follow Perfectionism: A persistent, compulsive drive toward unattainable goals and valuation based solely in terms of accomplishment
The Difference Between Optimalist Intrinsic Inward desires Motivation to learn Optimalist and Perfectionist Highly motivated Consistently prove themselves Perfectionist
The Difference Between Optimism and Pessimism Optimists Plan of action Motivation Attitude Pessimists Righteous indignation Justifications Look for excuses
The Difference Between Optimism Pessimists Victims Credit luck Optimists Take personal responsibility Credit hard work and Pessimism
What are the benefits of having a more positive attitude? Aptitude 20% 60% 80% Attitude Why should you even consider it?
1. You have a hard time getting up in the morning. 2. You require more sleep than usual. 3. You are sick more often. 4. You and your spouse argue more than normal. Unhappiness at Work
Unhappiness at Work 5. You have less patience with your children. 6. You re unpleasant with your coworkers and/or boss. 7. You re making more mistakes. 8. You re overeating, drinking, or engaging in other selfdestructive behaviors.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) Your ability to recognize and effectively manage your own emotions as well as others Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Daniel Goleman
1. Your EI is a greater predictor of your success than how smart you are. 2. Harnessing the power of emotion is the key to productivity, growth, and job satisfaction. 3. Your IQ 4. Your EIQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient) 5. EI is on the decline. The Hay Group
Energy Emotions
5 Key Components of EIQ 1. Awareness of your feelings 2. Managing your moods 3. Ability to remain positive 4. Empathy 5. Social skills
7 Keys to Manage Your Emotions 1. Don t ignore or minimize your emotions. 2. Find your emotional triggers. 3. Express your feelings. 4. Let others know that their feelings are legitimate and valid. 5. Remain neutral and objective. 6. Stay focused on the positives. 7. Be an active listener.
50,000 60,000 thoughts The Psychology of Achievement by Brian Tracy
How to Train Yourself Turn negative thoughts into positive ones. 1. Recognize negative self-talk. 2. Concentrate on the good qualities. 3. Learn to visualize the positive. 4. Attack the problem head on. 5. Look for the bright side.
Optimism and pessimism are choices. Our attitudes influence how we see the world around us. Emotional intelligence plays a vital role. Your mind is like a computer. We are taught humility, not self-confidence, as children. Recap
Man s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how. Friedrich Nietzsche
How to Avoid Disappointment and Disillusionment 1. Recognize the facts. 2. Take positive, proactive steps to create the reality you want. 3. Don t dwell on the past or fear the future. 4. Establish goals and identify roadblocks. 5. Develop strategies.
A positive mental attitude can help make your dreams come true. By planning for your future and believing in your ability to be successful, you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.
The Stockdale Paradox Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time, confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
Relationships
Relationships Habit 5 Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Knowing I need to listen and knowing how to listen is not enough. Unless I want to listen, unless I have the desire, it won t be a habit in my life. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey
When you need a friend, it s too late to make one. Mark Twain
Develop Relationships 1. Avoid comparing yourself with your coworkers. 2. Be complimentary. 3. Be specific. 4. Get away from the office to discuss problems. 5. Maintain a positive attitude.
Apathy Withdrawal Fatigue Indifference Irritability Hostility Symptoms
Contact-Overload Syndrome 1. Take breaks. 2. Stay in control. 3. Ask for help. 4. Take classes We can t fix what we don t acknowledge. Dr. Phil McGraw
Relationship Recap 1. Your attitude influences your behavior. 2. You are in charge of your attitude. 3. Truly listen. 4. When you need a friend, it s too late to make one. Mark Twain 5. Working with the public can cause contact-overload syndrome.
1. Outside factors that impact your attitude 2. Engaging a shield of positivity 3. Finding the silver lining 4. Staying calm and collected Maintain a Positive Attitude
Self-Confidence
It s not the strongest, nor the most intelligent species that survives, it s the one that s most adaptable to change. Charles Darwin
Dealing With a Crisis 1. It s not the end of the world. 2. This crisis is temporary. 3. Take responsibility for yourself. 4. There is a problem demanding to be solved. 5. Step back from the problem or the crisis. 6. Take off your victim blinders.
Life-Giving Promise I,, being of sound mind, with the determination to live a long, happy, useful, and fulfilling life, do hereby promise to enjoy all the special moments, strive to be my best, look for the opportunities, and accept all the responsibilities of and for my life. I know there will be ups and downs, and I will use adversity to grow stronger, to turn negatives into positives, and to become all that I can be. I will assist and guide others on their journey, which enriches mine. Signature Date
The Present by Spencer Johnson See what a wonderful future would look like. Make plans to help it happen. Put a plan into action in the present.
Welcome to The Optimism Webinar Q&A With Linda Mechem
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