Reader, I've got three words for you: mindset, meaning, and MacGyver. It turns out that MINDSET + MEANING + MACGYVER is the secret to this week's #ShowUpPositive Spark, RESILIENT Let's start with MINDSET and break it down. The first common trait shared by resilient people and companies is their staunch acceptance of reality. Rather than adopting a baseless optimism and being disappointed repeatedly, resilient people accept the reality of their situation, no matter how brutal, while maintaining unwavering faith that they will prevail. Both POWs and survivors of the Nazi concentration camps reported that those who chose optimism instead of realism lost hope and were among the first to die. Reader, it turns out that the mind is a powerful force for both bad and good, depending on your choice. The second trait of resilient people is they find MEANING despite their adversity. Meaningfulness is intensely personal and often revealed as a reflection of family and societal contribution. Meaning can't be dictated by others, nor is it sustained continuously. It is highly contextual and episodic. The final trait of resilient people is their ability to improvise with what they have and find a way forward, just like MACGYVER . Whether you caught the original MacGyver from my childhood or the reboot last decade, you know that MacGyver's superpower is his ability to improvise and use the most random materials to get himself out of a dangerous situation or gain access to critical information. There you have it, Reader, the secrets to being more resilient:
Which of these strengths do you have, and which do you want to cultivate? I have a half day training on developing resilience that I'd love to bring to you and your team. 🥰 Who do you know that is looking for a speaker for meetings, workshops, or trainings? An introduction would be awesome! 🥰 |
My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.
Reader I was floored to read this in the latest report from Gallup? Across 52 countries and territories -- accounting for 76% of the world’s adult population and 86% of global gross domestic product -- Gallup asked two questions: What leader has the most positive influence on your daily life?Now, please list three words that best describe what this person contributes to your life. Four words consistently emerged: Hope was a theme of the World Happiness Summit (WOHASU) earlier this month. This...
Reader Did you know happiness isn't a feeling but a state of being? My youngest is about to step into adulthood, and despite my best intentions, I'm screwing it all up. 🤦♀️ Last weekend, for the second time, I saw Dr. Arthur Brooks present this pivotal idea: If happiness is a feeling, then it comes and goes. It is ethereal. Happy feelings are evidence of happiness, not the whole thing. Being in a state of happiness results from the presence of these core elements in your life: enjoyment,...
Reader, how do you feel when you walk into the airport, it isn't even 5 AM, and TSA looks like this? TSA in the middle of March It is college spring break, a major cruise ship is leaving Miami, and I am headed to Miami Beach for my favorite annual conference (the World Happiness Summit, aka WoHaSu). My flight is sold out, and boarding begins at 5:41. It is 4:45 a.m., and I'm joining a line that is so long I cannot even see the entrance to the TSA area. I have all the WTF feelings: 🫨...