I like posting inspirational quotes on my twitter feed. These quotes often give me a quick boost of enthusiasm and I enjoy passing along that feeling to others.
So it should come as no surprise that I recently posted the following line: “Far too many people have no idea what they can do, because all they’ve been told is what they can’t do.”
It did come as a surprise to me, though, when a prominent media publication reposted the above quote. While I was pleasantly amazed, I was also slightly perplexed. Why would they feel the need to repost a quote from Meny Hoffman? But after thinking about it for a few moments, the answer became obvious.
The world is a place that’s filled with negativity. People like posting comments on public forums that are bashing, complaining, pointing, criticizing, whining – and we’ve become so used to it. So when somebody actually posts a quote that’s positive for once, others sit up and take notice.
But even more remarkably, this quote really taps into so many realities of the day-to-day business world.
How many times have you come up with a really good idea or brand new concept – only to have it squashed by your boss, co-worker, friend, relative or associate? Fact is, it’s easy to be negative. Maintaining positivity? Not as simple. But that little element of buoyancy is what separates the successes of the world from the failures. Check out these real-life examples.
As an inventor, Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. After finally succeeding, a reporter asked him: “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison looked at the newsman with a broad smile and said: “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. I just found 1,000 ways that didn’t work.”
Winston Churchill was forced to repeat a grade during elementary school and was placed in the lowest division of the lowest class. He failed the entrance exam to the Royal Military Academy and was defeated in his first effort to serve in Parliament. He eventually became Prime Minister of England at the age of 62 and, upon reflecting about his career, said this curt quote: “Never, never, never, never give up.”
You get the idea. Don’t let the naysayers get you down and don’t get sucked into their vicious cycle of negativity. Keep your chin up – and your hopes even higher. Here are a few Ptex Practical Pointers to help you do just that.
Push Positivity: Surround yourself with positive people. Read optimistic blogs. Load up on those motivational quotes. Spend more time with the co-workers who are always cheering on your efforts, encouraging you onwards, giving you support, and believing in you no matter what you’re up against.
Look Up: Create a system of checks and balances to see where you’re holding in terms of positivity. Are you quicker to point out the negative things in life – as opposed to pointing out the positive things? Is the cup half empty or half full? If it looks empty, what actions can you take to make it appear fuller?
Think Wisely: Know when and how to use positive thinking. It’s not a free pass – be sure to combine it with due diligence. For instance, don’t make a blind investment and then hope to make millions by thinking “things will work out for the best.” Research, dig around and then invest with a sound mind.
Before I wrap this up, here’s one more amazing tale about the power of thinking positively.
At the age of 30, a fellow named Steve had been labeled a college dropout, a fired executive and an unsuccessful businessman. He was left devastated after being unceremoniously removed from the very company he founded. Years later, he explained how it was the best thing that ever happened to him.
“I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”
He eventually returned to the company with a positive outlook and invented several iconic products that profoundly revolutionized the world. Perhaps you’ve heard of this fellow. His name was Steve Jobs.
Onwards and upwards,
Meny Hoffman
P.S. Have any good quotes on the topic of positivity? Send them over by replying to this email and I’ll gladly share the best ones on my Twitter feed.
שמעתי ד”ת בעידן רעוא דרעוין בשב”ק העעל”ט:
אמרו חז”ל סתירת זקנים בנין, בנין נערים סתירה.
נער אינו יכול לבנות את עצמו ואת פרנסתו רק על ידי שסותר את זולתו.
“סתירת זקנים” זקן – זה שקנה חכמה, כאשר רוצה לסתור העומדים לנגדו, “בנין” במקום להתמוקד על צד הנגטיבי הרי הוא מתמוקד על חלק הפזטיבי ובכך בונה את עצמו ואת פרנסתו.
ודפח”ח