Practically everyone makes New Year’s resolutions. Whether they write them down or just make a mental note, a large majority of people will resolve to do or not do something in 2011. From the ever popular resolution to lose weight to the health conscious wish to stop smoking, most of us will spend the first few weeks of the new year trying to meet our expectations, and most likely, many of us will spend the rest of the year justifying why we didn’t accomplish them. Studies have shown that by the six-month mark, 54% of people have broken their New Year’s resolution.
But, that doesn’t mean you should give up on making a few resolutions for 2011. Experts have shown that even if the entire resolution isn’t met, progress is made through the effort to achieve it. Plus, the simpler and easier to implement the resolution, the more likely it will be accomplished. So, try adding this resolution to the top of your list this year – Stop complaining!
Few people would argue that 2009 was a nightmare most would like to forget, and many are looking forward to leaving 2010 far behind as well. The past two years have been hard for everyone, from employees to the unemployed to employers. From budget cuts to salary freezes and increased workloads to low morale, most people have something to complain about. But sometimes just because you can complain about something, doesn’t mean you should.
Don’t be an energy vampire.
Jon Gordon puts it quite well in his book “The No Complaining Rule“, “Every one of us will face negativity, energy vampires, and obstacles on the road to success. That is why one of the most important things we can do in business and life is to stay positive with strategies that turn negative energy into positive solutions.” Gordon doesn’t suggest that you should never complain. Instead, he recommends eliminating the chronic complaining and turning justified complaints into positive solutions by following these three tools.
1. Turn complaining upside down.
“When you realize you are complaining, you simply add the word but and then add a positive thought or positive action.” Try it. For instance, “I don’t like ____________, but I’m thankful for _______________.”
2. Focus on what you get to do.
“Too often we complain and focus on what we have to do. Instead…focus on what you get to do.” So, instead of saying “I have to go to work,” switch it out for something you get to do, like “I get to impact someone else’s life today.”
3. Be a problem solver.
“Turn complaints into solutions. The intent is to eliminate the kind of mindless complaining that doesn’t serve a greater purpose and allow complaining that is justified and worthwhile.” The next time you have a real complaint, think of a few viable solutions and take them to your team to find out what actions need to be taken to turn the complaint into an action plan.
As Jon Gordon shows in his book, this simple rule really can make a tremendous difference in your work and personal life. It will not only turn your own attitude around, it will also positively impact the lives of those around you. So, whether or not you make any other resolutions for 2011, at least resolve to stop complaining.
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