It’s easy to talk about having a positive attitude, but living it has its adversities. Just saying something positive can help to change your outlook and attitude in a situation, which is huge and rewarding in itself. Incorporating positivity is important in our present-day situation. Let’s try to bring this vibe, attitude, and thought of positivity everywhere where we go, including the workplace.
Communication over the decades has drastically changed. People are getting their first electronic device at younger ages each year. Everything is going digital. Sometimes communication can be misconstrued via email or text, and sometimes there isn’t the chance for a face to face conversation when dealing with an issue. This is one of the ways negative thoughts or doubt can begin to creep in while at work or amongst many other scenarios. I use communication as just one example that positive thinking can be used to fix so many of these issues.
I’ve recently had a tough couple of weeks as the rush of pre-production was nearing its end coming up to the first day of shooting. With the added rules and regulations of Covid-19 being another element to everyone’s regime, stress was at its peak. Normally being a very optimistic and positive person, I couldn’t shake my negative attitude. That feeling spread quickly, putting negative thoughts and feelings in my head not helping my work at all. Have you felt these feelings? Stress, anger, anxiety, questioning your ability and making yourself feel bad, turn small things into big things, won’t let things go, then getting angry about that! Those are all negative feelings that take a different toll with each individual. Fortunately, in this case I found my way back by talking it out and taking a moment to breathe, coming back to my usual practice of finding ANYTHING positive in the negative. And in this instance, it was simply saying “It will get better as soon as we get our rhythm and start shooting.”
Negative thoughts can cause a snowball effect, but so can positive ones. There are many studies that prove both outlooks. The broad and build theory is a good example of positive thoughts or emotions causing a positive effect. Author of this theory, Barbara L. Fredrickson, states “positive emotions and broad-minded coping mutually build on one another. Not only do positive emotions make people feel good in the present, but also, through their effects on broadened thinking, positive emotions increase the likelihood that people will feel good in the future.”
Whether you’re the type to need scientific proof or are someone who follows their gut, I think it’s clear that positivity is always the better option. If you’ve felt happiness, joy, interest, hope, pride, enthusiasm, and gratitude then you’ve experienced positivity in your life. It’s infectious and will bring immediate results to any situation. Make it a daily practice to smile and say hello to someone, or if you have a few minutes to spare, ask someone how they’re doing. This positive infectiousness only facilitates a connection for working together. So next time there’s a misunderstanding, be understanding and give your co-worker the benefit of the doubt. Be mindful that every position has its challenges. As we occasionally have cause to remind one another at The Zen of Film “Always assume positive intent.”
Don’t forget to do or think something positive to keep YOU going. Rewards as simple as taking a five minute break outside or taking the long way back to your desk or office when finishing a task. Productivity doesn’t have to stem from stern management. It can come from a place of open communication, willingness to work together, and a common outlook to get the job done in a successful positive way.
Although this article came from a place of stress, it has brought me to a place of positivity and reminded me that it is absolutely necessary in today’s world to simply:
BE KIND, HAPPY, COMPASSIONATE
&
POSITIVE
