On being Positive!

Day after day we find people who have different behaviors and different attitudes. Some are optimistic, some very negative, while a large number of people have a neutral mood. This is the reason why we have to change and become much more positive if we want to succeed. Of course, like everything in life, becoming positive is neither easy nor fast, but if we start now going in the right direction we will get there sooner than later.

In the seminars I teach, I ask participates if they know of someone, anyone, who has been successful being negative or pessimistic; so far, no one has been able to give me an example. Therefore, being successful has a direct relationship to being positive and having a good attitude. Being positive, especially in a difficult environment is no easy task; however, it can be done.

There are a number of actions we can take to become more positive :

Wake up early. There is nothing healthier than waking up early to have the whole day ahead of you to do what you really have to do. And above all, the first hour of the day, called 'the golden hour', is the most important. You are more relaxed and calm, and it's time that you take some time to read, meditate and exercise. Try it for a few days and you will notice the change.

Plan ahead. The night before start planning your next day. By doing that, you will avoid running around, which is part of what causes us stress; you will know in advance all your appointments and tasks of the day and you can plan ahead in a more effective manner. Of course there will be emergencies in many cases, but you will know how to deal with them since you will have more control over your time.

Be kind. There is nothing more rewarding than being kind to others without expecting anything in return. Open a door to let someone go by; say good morning and thank you. Simple things that people say or do, are not expected and thus they generate smiles. And you should be grateful for what you have with those around you.

Help others. During your day help your friends and colleagues. Become a trusted person for those who work with you and you will become a support for them. Helping others will make you feel better.

Share. We all know more than we imagine. We can all do more than what we can. If we share our knowledge and our way of being positive, we will help other people to be better every day. A word of support, a guide for someone who solves a problem, teaching, and so, little by little, going to work on something that can be very incredible: become a mentor or a teacher to go out helping others.

Today there are many ways to be in excellent physical, mental and spiritual form, and much of it we can do it ourselves. If you do, you'll have a better day, more positive, more optimistic and more inspiring for you and those around you.

Luis Vicente Garcia

It's Sunday... it must be Raining!

Spring is a beautiful time of the year; for some, the most beautiful season of all. This has been my first spring in Houston and actually, my last weekend here before heading back home; and I was expecting a beautiful season as well. But instead, we have had the worst torrential rains and floods in Harris County, Texas in over 35 years and today is Sunday, and as it has been over the past four weeks, it must be raining.

We have all heard the phrase ‘Spring Showers, May Flowers’; well, yes it’s true. But after April showers came May rains, thunderstorms and floods; so the flowers came and then, they drowned. I do not want to sound drastic or dramatic, but I have never seen or heard so many warnings for floods and river overflows as have this past month. So May has been a wet and rainy month. In fact, we have had an above average rain month this May and then of course our forecast for today is 100% rain with thunderstorms and now the usual flood warning; so yes indeed, it is Sunday and it is raining.

However, there are no excuses to stop you from doing the many wonderful things you can do on a rainy Sunday; especially when you could take the time to relax and do every single thing you never have the time to do. So here is a short compilation of some of the many things we can do today:

-          Finish reading the book you are reading or start reading a new one;

-          Sit down and write a short story, a novel, a poem;

-          Start cooking; be creative;

-          Do some exercise, inside or outside (I just finished my 10 Km Sunday walk and of course came back all wet, but really enjoyed it);

-          Plan your summer vacation or a long family weekend, if you are planning one;

-          Talk; yes, simply talk;

-          Talk to your family and friends, it is still one of those nice things we can all do;

-          Call someone you have not talked to in a long time;

-          Finish that long overdue project you have postponed (and yes we all have such projects);

-          Finish working on your idea, that prototype you have been thinking about for so long;

-          Play chess or any nice table game with your kids; they would learn much form it;

-          Have a puzzle? Nice day to do it;

-          Plan your week ahead;

-          Do part of your homework so you do not have to do it during the week;

-          Go to a Museum, yes that one you only visited years ago;

-          Get that much deserved rest you know you need; or simply,

-          Relax and enjoy the rain.

People complain all of the time. If it rains too much, if it is too hot, too dry, too cold; well, it is what it is and we cannot do anything, as it is Mother Nature calling on us.

So make the best of it. If it rains, read or listen to music; if it is sunny, go out and play. Make the best of your life; it depends on your attitude. And even if it is Sunday and it must be raining, enjoy life, be happy and keep motivated.

Do not complain, see this with a new attitude and a different perspective; have a different approach and even though it is Sunday and yes, it is raining, decide to enjoy it and have a wonderful Day!

Luis Vicente

Leadership Under Uncertainty

Being a leader is difficult in any circumstance.  However, becoming a successful leader in a constantly changing environment requires that you posses exceptional characteristics that flourish when times get tough. Change and uncertainty increase the challenges that a leader has to face, and it is not always easy. We live in a world that is constantly changing, where uncertainty is always certain.

We live in a world with an unclear and constantly changing set of rules, laws, and procedures, which affects the way people behave or run their businesses; potentially working under the effects of large economic swings, with lower growth, higher inflation or unemployment rates, a legal system that does not promote free trade or real competition, not to mention the difficult political situations that exists in several countries.

Today, leaders have to excel in uncertainty. These leaders have strong qualities and values, with an optimist’s approach to life. They have the characteristics of a strong performer, always working under pressure, having to demonstrate a sense of urgency.

In my best selling book ‘The Ultimate Success Guide’ I talk all about leadership in uncertainty.   In part, I talk about the 10 characteristics that I believe a great leader has to have in uncertain times.  These 10 characteristics are:

1. Commitment – The leader has a commitment to one’s people and co-workers in order to continuously demonstrate their presence with them in their own terrain, showing responsibility above all.

2. Understanding – A leader is capable and needs to listen, watch and understand all changing and uncertain circumstances, even when all of the information is not present. A leader is in touch with the people and understands their necessities by heart.

3. Connectivity - A leader is able to communicate effectively, creating alliances and relationships with all kinds of people. The leader is in touch with the people on a daily basis, in order to explain the ideas, tasks, responsibilities and challenges to others.

4. Vision - Leaders have a strong and profound vision.  They believe in their own objectives, but they are also willing to look at areas where other people see problems as opportunities. 

5. Values – A true leader believes that the best way to lead the people is by example.  They live by the true values and principles that guide them, maintaining their human and spiritual qualities.

6. Knowledge – A leader is constantly looking for knowledge.  They understand the needs of the society and following the path of continuous education and learning.

7. Creativity and Imagination – Leaders are always implementing creative actions, breaking the rules of traditional schemes. They anticipate the moment, armed with better ideas and solutions in their back pocket. 

8. Motivation – A leader continues to motivate themself as well as others. A leader inspires the ones that need guidance through speech and actions.

9. Competitive Attitude – A leader is armed with a positive attitude and with the motivation to achieve the impossible. They organize a better view of the future and unify their followers.

10. Take Action – Now knowing all these qualities that make a real leader, you need to take action; to decide, make opinions, to go ahead under real conditions, to be the best all the time, to bring out the best in all others, and to show the people what you are made of.  In some instances, you will need to deliver under the most difficult circumstances, and this is what will make you a complete and a true leader.

My father once summed it up excellently writing “leaders are always people who see beyond the moment, they are likely to excel in the midst of serious problems, creating a vision and motivating people to achieve it”.

Now "it is up to you to become that Great New Leader!"

 

Luis Vicente Garcia  

www.luisvicentegarcia.com

@lvarciag

 

Be Positive, Be Successful!

For the next few days I am giving away my chapter "Be Positive, Be Successful" from the Best-selling book DARE TO SUCCEED.

The book was co-authored with Jack Canfield and other leading experts from around the world. It reached five #1 Best-selling lists on Amazon.com

Just simply follow the link below, give us your first and last name and your email and we will send it directly into your inbox.

https://www.facebook.com/luisvicentegarciag/app_427089034046612

Ifyou would like to obtain more information on our products and on the trainig and development we do for companies and their TEAMS, please write to info@LuisVicenteGarcia.com

Now, start Being Positve to Be Successful.

Luis Vicente Garcia