Written by John Safin

Look for the bland expression.

Listen for the heavy sigh.

Notice the sloppy body posture.

Oh woe is me…!

You have seen this person. You might have worked with one or have one in your life now. This person is simply always feeling “down.” This is not the typical “glass half empty” person. This is a “glass half empty and there’s a hole in the side leaking liquid out onto the table, over the edge and ruining the floor” person. Do you know someone who fits this description?

This is not someone who is in a bad mood, having a frustrating day or is simply cranky and needs a nap. This is about the type of person that mopes through their day with minimal energy and a dreary atmosphere clinging to them like heavy smog over a city. Certainly YOU are not that someone!

Would you want to work with this person? Would you want this person in your life? You’re thinking of someone just like that in your life right now, aren’t you?

It is your choice every moment of every day to be THAT person or be the complete opposite.

Being positive, polite, courteous and simply friendly takes energy. You will need to make an effort. Think about this: You’re walking along all by yourself and another person approaches from the opposite direction. You both pass each other and continue your journey. Did anything happen? Now, same scenario except as you both get within a few feet from each other, you smile and nod your head. That took initiative and energy. You made an effort. What do you think the other person would do? Well, if s/he has an upbeat mindset, the greeting gesture would be returned. Two smiles have now brightened the world. Smiles and yawns are both contagious. Offer a smile to the next ten people you meet and you’ll see it works when they smile back. Please don’t try that with a yawn as it would be considered rude.

Do you or do you not like to work with a positive person? Let’s assume you said that you “do find it more pleasant to work with a positive person.” If you said, “do not” then check your cup for a leaking hole. Think about a “winner.” There is a positive aura of optimism around this type of person. Winners like to associate with other winners. Do you think more or less would be accomplished with a room full of “winners” or one full of “there’s a hole in the cup” people?

Of course, no one can be happy-happy-joy-joy all the time (unless you’re Ren & Stimpy). Everyone has a “bad day” or “gets in a mood.” First of all, don’t take it out on others if this ever happens to you. Whatever (or whoever) dampened your day is now history. The next person you encounter did not cause your “mood,” so don’t take it our on him/her. This is your opportunity…your choice to be positive or at least be perceived as positive, and perception is reality. Some have said a true test of character comes from adverse situations and the mettle to face it. This is not lying. It is a conscious and willful effort that you make to be or be seen as optimistic. This will be the best defense you have when dealing with the “there’s a hole in my cup” person. You already know s/he will be “down.” You choose to be cheerful and confident; remaining true to your persona and personality. This is your barrier to the depressing “smog” exuding from that other person’s presence.

Want a fast way to get peppy and cheerful? Answer your company’s phone for a few minutes. Seriously, this will work. “Why?” you might be asking. Any time you talk on the telephone it is required that you smile. You have been told this hundreds of times. After the third or fourth time you answer the phone with a big, cheesy, teeth showing smile, the impact of whatever made you cranky will have lessened and your demeanor will have improved tremendously.

Another suggestion: Go bowling with a group of friends. Hit a strike and the cheering begins. By your fourth strike you will be so proud and excited that you’ll be jumping up and down. THAT is the powerful attitude you need to bring to you life every day. Or, you can have that gutter ball personality: dismal, dismayed, depressed.

Winners want to associate with winners. Positive people are seen as more productive. The only reason not to be an energetic, polite, positive, courteous person is by choice. It is, and always will be, up to you to make this decision. Stay out of all the gutters Life puts in your way.

Now, go brighten your day and someone else’s!

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