An Alternative to the Negative Power of Negativity

Chapter 5: How to Develop a Genuine Can-Do Attitude

At the risk of sounding negative, I hate negativity!  But I'd be telling a lie to say that I'm always positive and optimistic.  The truth is I struggle, just like many of you, with the temptation to see the cup "half empty."  This might have something to do with being embedded in the arts since we're always subject to other people's review, we never feel like we totally "nailed it," and we know that there are others who can sing/play circles around us.  If we dwell on those things, though, we'll find ourselves spiraling down the depths of negativity.

But negativity, even though it feels good and maybe even productive at the time, is not healthy.  It's affects take form in us through our attitudes.  It starts a cycle.  The more negative we are, the more negative we are going to be because we will start to see more and more things around us through our negative lens.  It's certainly not healthy for people around us.  We'll pull other people down and start the negative cyclical pattern in their lives.  If they're not turned to the "dark side," at the very least we might find them not wanting to be around us much.  A reputation as a negative person can be a heavy burden to carry.

So, some helpful ideas to curb the negative appetite:

1. Read Rory Noland's chapter.  It's good.
2. Stop verbal complaining.  Of course, the complaints are only outward expressions of what you're feeling inside, but you gotta start somewhere.  Next time you feel a complaint welling up from within, don't do it!  Hold your tongue.  Not only will you gain some control over your mouth, you'll also avoid distancing or depressing those around you.
3. Help others in your influence to not succumb to their pessimistic tendencies by encouraging them personally, dwelling on the positive constantly, and correcting them bravely.
4. Be a part of positive things.  Don't walk in the way of sinners, but plant yourself by that stream of life.

Read the Bible.  I'm not surprised by Paul's advice in Philippians 2:14 "do everything without complaining and arguing," although I am amazed that we overlook verse 13.  The reason we can be charged to such a high standard is because God is working in us.  Let's live in such a way that does Him honor and gives Him credit.  If we are negative all the time, what does that say about our God who is supposedly working within our lives according to His good will.