It’s very easy to get caught up in the negativity of people around you, but if you can implement these four simple steps, you’ll find yourself having a good day that will rub off on those around you. This will make you a positive influence in the world.
In this article…
Start with a Smile
Wake up with a smile on your face. How many of us wake up and groan at the thought of the day ahead? Tomorrow morning, try doing something a little different.
- Set your alarm five minutes earlier than normal.
- As you wake up, luxuriate in the warmth and softness of your bed.
- Smile to yourself to set your inner mood.
When you start your day out smiling, your energy increases and you impact not only your mood but the mood of those around you.
Be Grateful
Before you get out of bed, think of five things you’re grateful for. You can also do this at the end of the day as a way to end the day on a high note (makes it much easier to wake up with a smile.)
Set Your Intentions
When you get up in the morning, imagine it is the end of the day and you have just experienced an AMAZING day. Now come back to this moment and imagine how you felt so that you had an amazing day. Were you productive? Were you feeling connected to your work or your clients?
Determine how you want to feel. (Note: This is not a to-do list, this is a feeling or “to-be” list.) Then set this as your intention as to how you are going to experience your day.
Check in with yourself throughout the day. Are you meeting your intentions of feeling confident, productive, connected etc. ?
If not, take a breath and decide what small action you can take in that moment that will move you back to being connected to your intentions. Ask yourself, “what can I do in this moment to create a feeling of being ___________.”
Creating intentional actions will let you experience AMAZING days. (because really- no one sets an intention to have a lousy day and it is so simple, with a little bit of focused action, to get back to your intentions.)
Kindness goes a LONG way
Be nice. This step is so simple, yet so many people are just too busy to put it into place. Being nice is as easy as smiling at the cabbie or the bus driver in the morning, saying “hello” to the person you buy your coffee from, or using the words “thank you” at least a half a dozen times a day. If you take action to be nice, friendly, and caring, then your day will be so much better.
None of these tips will cost you anything in terms of money or time. It’s easier on your face if you smile rather than frown; it’s easier to get through a day feeling contented and happy. And if you share your happy mood, just imagine what a wonderful gift that can be for those around you!
It has been said that, “Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.”
If you start your day preparing to have a good one, your day will blossom just as you do.
For more than 20 years, Sue has worked with leaders from solopreneurs to executives in Fortune 100 companies.