From e598e0d298b6b51617c11be3ab0a966db40a4c01 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ben Pellow Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:54:15 -0800 Subject: [PATCH] update the no complaining rule syntax --- happiness/no_complaining_rule.md | 28 ++++++++++++++-------------- 1 file changed, 14 insertions(+), 14 deletions(-) diff --git a/happiness/no_complaining_rule.md b/happiness/no_complaining_rule.md index 081866c..bfc0cc6 100644 --- a/happiness/no_complaining_rule.md +++ b/happiness/no_complaining_rule.md @@ -17,33 +17,33 @@ This rule generates the kind of positive energy and culture that attracts higher ## The Cost of Negativity * Negativity costs the US between $250 and $300 billion every year in lost productivity, according to the Gallup Organization. This is conservative, as it only accounts for the direct loss of productivity in time lost, not considering the ripple effect of complaining and negativity. -* Ninety percent of doctor visits are stress related, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The #1 cause of stress is coworkers and complaining, according to polls. More positive workplaces have genuinely less sick people. -* A study found that negative employees scare off both customers and potential employees. +* Ninety percent of doctor visits are stress related, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The #1 cause of stress is coworker complaining, according to polls. Fact: Positive workplaces have less sick people. +* A study found that negative employees scare off both customers and other potential employees. * Negativity affects the morale, performace, and productivity of our teams. * One negative person can create a miserable office environment for everyone else. * Numerous studies show that negativity is associated with: decreased life span, increased risk of heart attack, increased risk of stroke, greater stress, less energy, more physical pain, fewer friends, and less success. ## Three No Complaining Tools -1. The But -> Positive Technique +#### 1. The But -> Positive Technique - This simple strategy helps you turn your complaints into positive thoughts, solutions and actions. It works like this. When you realize you are complaining, you simply add the word but and then add a positive thought or positive action. Example: "I dont like driving to work for an hour but I'm thankful I have a job to drive to and a car to drive there in." -2. Focus on "Get To" instead of "Have to" - - Too often we complain and focus on what we have to do. We say things like "I have to go to work" "I have to drive here" "I have to do this." Instead, shift your perspective and relize it's not about having to do anything. You get to do things. You get to live this life. You get to go to work whle so many others are unemployed. Focus on what you get to do. Focus on feeling blessed instead of stressed. Focus on gratitude. -3. Turn Complaints into Solutions +#### 2. Focus on "Get To" instead of "Have to" + - Too often we complain and focus on what we have to do. We say things like "I have to go to work" "I have to drive here" "I have to do this." Instead, shift your perspective and realize it's not about having to do anything. You get to do things. You get to live this life. You get to go to work while so many others are unemployed. Focus on what you get to do. Focus on feeling blessed instead of stressed. Focus on gratitude. +#### 3. Turn Complaints into Solutions - The goal is not to eliminate all complaining. The intent is to eliminate the kind of mindless complaining that doesn't serve a greater purpose and allow compalining that is justified and worthwhle. The opposite of mindless complaining is justified complaining. The former is negative and the latter is positive. The difference is intent. With mindless complaining, you are mindlessly focusing on problems; however, with justified complaining you identify a problem and the complaint moves you toward a solution. Every complaint represents an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive. ## Five Things to Do Instead of Complain -1. Practice Gratitude - - Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their lives. -2. Praise Others - - Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of courese, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism. -3. Focus on Success +#### 1. Practice Gratitude + - Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two such emotions cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their lives. +#### 2. Praise Others + - Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism. +#### 3. Focus on Success - Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great converstaion, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow. -4. Let Go +#### 4. Let Go - Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You'll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. -5. Meditate - - Scientific research shows that daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in tot he ultimate power of meditation, and recharge. +#### 5. Meditate + - Scientific research shows that daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power of meditation, and recharge. ## No Complaining Week The goal of No Complaining Week is to become aware of how negative our thoughts and words cna be. The objective is to eliminate mindless complaining and negative thoughts as much as possible by replacing them with posistive thoughts and positive habits.