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So, what can you do to remain your company wisely so you’re an Elsa from “Frozen” and “let it
a bit more positive at work, and not catching the good rays versus the go,” which is easier said than done
just build up your Teflon-coating to clouds. for some but much more helpful to
the negativity in the world but com- your physical and mental health in
bat it by sending out some good ol’ 3. LIMIT YOUR DAILY the long run.
positive vibes? Here are five ideas EXPOSURE TO SOCIAL
you can apply today to help shape MEDIA AND NEWS 5. ASK YOURSELF: “WHAT’S
your view of the world to be a bit Similar to #2, reflect on how THE WORST THAT CAN
more positive: much social media you’re being HAPPEN?”
exposed to and what types. Also, In any stressful situation: stop,
1. KEEP A “WHAT-WENT- be aware of the news stations/pro- take a breath, and put things into
WELL” JOURNAL grams you tend to listen to or watch a greater context. Ask yourself,
At the end of your day, open and understand their own bias lev- “What’s the worst that can happen
up a note app on your phone and el or level of objectivity (on both if …” and insert your current focus
identify five things that went well sides of the spectrum). Be mindful here (like, “… if I’m late for work
for you during that day and why. of the concept of “confirmation this morning”). This helps put situ-
This could be things big (“promo- bias” (where we tend to surround ations in the right perspective and
tion!”) or small (“found a park- ourselves with those who support context, helps avoid negativity, and
ing spot!”), but force yourself to our world view, adding fuel to our allows you to embrace the positive
think of five. Why? On some days personal flames), and honestly re- of what you’re doing. Chances are
it’s pretty easy to find the things flect on how you consume those you get yourself worked up even Sometimes the best
that went well. However, when Tweets, Facebook, and Instagram when “the worst that can happen”
you have that rough day at work, posts. Have an addiction to social really isn’t all that bad. thing you can do to
but still force yourself to find media? Look for apps or built-in Being more positive takes prac-
five good things, that’s when the smartphone features that limit the tice for many people. And yes: ac- stay positive is to
magic happens. Neuroscientists number of minutes you can social- knowledge that things can get crum-
have found that — by doing this ize online. my at times. Ultimately, you cannot pull an Elsa from
exercise over the course of about control everything that happens to
2-3 months — you actually begin 4. UNDERSTAND CONTROL you in this crazy world, but you can “Frozen” and “let
to rewire your brain to see things VS. INFLUENCE VS. NO indeed control how you react to it.
more positively. Try it and see if it CONTROL Take the challenge to be that glass- it go.”
works for you. In any situation at work, think half-full kinda person (and not a
about the actions you can control, half-fool), and help others be a little
2. NOTICE THE NEGATIVE what you can’t directly control but more half-full, too. 
AND POSITIVE PEOPLE IN can influence, and those things
YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE where you have zero control or in-  Dr. Steve Yacovelli, Ed.D. (“The Gay
Become more aware of the fluence over. It’s like a three-ring Leadership Dude”) is Owner & Principal
types of energy that coworkers bullseye (where the center is your of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a
around you tend to emit. Sure: ev- control area and the outer ring is learning and development, leadership,
eryone has those “off” days where what you have no control over, the change management, and diversity and
they’re teetering on the more neg- middle the influence part). Where consulting firm based in Orlando, FL,
ative side, but for most folks, their are you spending the vast amount USA, with affiliates across the globe. With
over twenty-five years’ experience, Steve is
true disposition is pretty consistent. of your energy? The middle? The a rare breed that understands the power
Listen to what your colleagues say, outer ring? Too many people dump of using academic theory and applying it
watch what they do, and see what their energy into that “control” to the “real” world for better results. His
they post on social media. Then, try ring when really they have no con- latest book, Pride Leadership: Strategies
to be around those who are more trol, thus wasting their time and for the LGBTQ+ Leader to be the King
“sunny” versus more “cloudy.” energy. Sometimes the best thing or Queen of their Jungle came out June
Emotions are contagious, so choose you can do to stay positive is to pull 2019. www.topdoglearning.biz.

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