Whenever life surprises us with a bunch of sour lemons, the best response is to enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade.
Any confident person assured of their path doesn't worry, because tomorrow's already taken care of. Their confidence allows them to pursue dreams and purpose. Living in this state of confidence, knowing you're on the right path, also brings peace, with full assurance of the end goal, and blocks distractions that try to derail you from your life's calling.
Society has labeled the art of letting go as a sign of weakness when, in fact, it can be a good leadership strength. But let's be clear: Letting go isn't the same as giving up or giving in; it's trusting the process, surrendering to the outcome -- to something greater than you --and believing that things will work out accordingly. The best approach to letting go and trusting the process is to be in the company of people like trusted advisers, colleagues, friends, and family who will support you in your journey.
A 75-year Harvard study that followed 724 subjects from college to old age found that good relationships keep us happier and healthier. The first step in seeking out healthy relationships is to learn to be selective about whom to allow into our inner circle. Close and intimate connections can go deep and are crucial to sustaining our happiness, so choose friends and associates wisely.
In so many businesses today, fear keeps people from being open to asking for what they want and seeking help from their bosses, peers, and colleagues. According to research published in Harvard Business Review, 75 to 90 percent of all help people at work give to one another starts with making an ask. However, many individuals refrain from asking for what they need, as their managers and executives do not encourage or reinforce this behavior. Consequently, nothing ends up happening most of the time. So, make the first move and ask for something we want. Chances are, we will probably get it.
We often overlook the importance of "soft" qualities like kindness. However, studies show that cultivating a culture of kindness in the workplace can lead to happier employees and a more successful business. Research at New York University indicates that observing acts of kindness among colleagues can increase our sense of well-being, which researchers call elevation. This feeling of elevation can lead to a chain reaction of kindness and positivity, spreading throughout the workplace. So, fostering kindness in the workplace can have a ripple effect, benefiting both individuals and the company as a whole.
Do colleagues steamroll ahead with a decision without soliciting feedback? A lack of patience can wreak havoc and bring a group down. Patience is a virtue more people should practice. It helps us to slow down, process, gather information, and rethink when things are snowballing out of control. In a conflict situation with differing points of view, patience helps us see the innocence in other people during those frustrating moments when we'd rather get our way.
Our life story may contain traumatic experiences, disappointments, and failures. However, it is important to persist and continue on our path. Avoid looking back or giving up now that we have achieved some level of happiness and success. There may be challenges and difficult decisions ahead, but do not abandon all the hard work we have accomplished so far. If we continue fighting, focus on our goals, and surround ourselves with supportive people who always believe in us.