There are things you can do to stay positive and prevent pessimism from ruining your ability to lead.
I hope we can all agree that being an optimist is a critical characteristic of strong leadership. That said, it isn’t always easy. There are a million problems that can drag us down and mire us in a creeping darkness. Sometimes it feels like what is happening in the kids’ movie, The NeverEnding Story, when the “Nothing” threatens to take over Fantasia, for those of you who remember it.
We all have problems and frustrations at work and at home. And if we are business owners in an AEC firm, the line between those two tends to be very fuzzy. We take work problems home and we bring home problems with us to work. But there are things you can do to stave off the “Nothing” and not let it steal your optimism and ruin your ability to lead.
Here are a few of them:
- Limit your news intake. The news is mostly negative, sensational, and divisive. That’s what sells and gets the most attention. And the news sources aren’t just TV news or newspapers like they used to be. It’s also in the form of social media and podcasts and more. I’m not suggesting you bury your head in the sand and blissfully ignore what is going on in the world, but find your sources, check in with them on a schedule, and then get out. The more of this negativity you take in, the more helpless you will feel. And that isn’t a good place to be if you want to lead other people who are probably feeling like their lives are out of control.
- Hang out with other optimistic and successful people. These positive people can be found in your list of friends, mentors, clients, neighbors, and even employees of your own business. They will inspire you and motivate you and help prop you up when you need it. I have found positive people in all of these groups, plus students because I teach at the university level. Young people tend to be more optimistic because they haven’t been beaten down by life yet.
- Have hobbies. Hobbies get you out of your work and family modes, and give you a chance to do something or create something that gives you positive feedback. I have always had houses to renovate, old cars to modify or restore, motorcycles, bicycles, and, at various times, RVs as my hobbies. Each of them gives me a different kind of satisfaction and puts me in touch with different people. Each lets me feel like I am improving something and/or doing something good for my physical or mental health.
- Keep your physical health up. I am not the best at this one, particularly in terms of my diet (I love to eat!), but have been lucky enough to be blessed with good genes. But the bottom line is you have to keep moving! Exercise or physical work is good for the mind and body. Get a good night’s sleep, also – don’t stay up too late. And you don’t really need three cocktails or beers every day to relax, either. Your body condition really does impact your mental attitude.
- Do something good for other people. This one is always a good way to keep your mental state healthy. It feels good to help other people. It will make you more optimistic about life in general if you do! Volunteering, mentoring, coaching, working on your neighbor’s yard, teaching, advising aspiring business owners – there are a million things you can do for other people if you want to, and they will all give you the potential for a positive mental boost!
- Focus on your relationships. Be forgiving. Be the one who says you are sorry. Be considerate. Share. Be generous with your time and money. These things will all help your relationships and when they are solid, you will feel more settled, less stressed, and more optimistic. Try it and tell me if I am wrong!
I’m sure I could keep adding to this list of things to do to stay positive and optimistic. But the important thing is not what works for me but what works for you. What are those things, and are you doing them? Your people need you to be an optimistic leader. Don’t let them down.
Mark Zweig is Zweig Group’s chairman and founder. Contact him at mzweig@zweiggroup.com.
