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"Three Best Things"
Here is a brief synopsis of the following article (726 words):
"Three Best Things" by Gary Lockwood. When my sons were very
young, I taught them a game. In turn, that game taught me a valuable lesson that
still works for me today.
Play the game and you will restore your confidence and your sense of
well-being. Start today and gain a new perspective, a higher energy level and
increased creativity.
"Three Best Things"
My two sons, Dan and Doug, were five and six years old.
On their fist day of school, we started a new game. At dinner that evening, I
asked, "Boys, what was the fun-est thing you did today"?
Watching their response, I could tell what they were thinking. "Oh-Oh;
Daddy's on a new kick again". Regardless, Doug and Dan each told of
something fun and interesting they did that day. I contributed by relating to
them something weird and funny that had happened at my office that day
(something weird was happening at my office almost every day, it seems).
We laughed at each other's stories and went on to enjoy a delightful dinner
together.
The next evening, I again asked them, "Boys, what was the fun-est thing you
did today"? This time, they each had one ready to tell. And I once again
told them about something weird and funny that had happened at my office that
day. As the first evening, we laughed and had a good time with this.
Each evening at dinner, I asked the same question. By the end of the first week,
the boys could see that this was going to be a regular thing. They came to the
dinner table already knowing what their evening's story would be.
In the weeks to follow, Doug and Dan each had at least one fun thing to tell and
sometimes two or three. They even competed to see who had the fun-est story. Dan
would say, "I want to go first. My story is better than Doug's".
After a while, it almost seemed that these boys were making fun things happen
during the day, just so they could tell about it at dinner. We laughed a lot and
enjoyed each story.
Where was their focus? That's right; on the positive things that were
going on with them. During this time of their lives, do you suppose that Dan and
Doug had any unpleasant things happening to them or around them? Of course they
did! We all have negative events and negative people in our lives.
I just didn't want the negatives to be their primary focus. I wanted my sons to
see past the unpleasantness around them and experience the positive.
How many times do you end your day stewing about?
The heavy traffic
The report that didn't get finished
People who haven't returned your calls
Deals that are dragging on
The computer's not working correctly
And on, and on, and on.
I am not suggesting that you ignore the challenges in your life. I AM suggesting
that you just not dwell there.
Successful entrepreneurs develop their positive attitudes because they feed on
progress.
At the end of each day, instead of recounting all the difficulties and all that
remains undone, write your accomplishments. Write the three most positive,
interesting things that happened to you this day (the fun-est things). You can
literally end each day on a positive note by jotting down the three best things
that happened this day.
These may be things that happened to you, people around you, events that just
felt good to you, or just a sunny day. Some of the most rewarding things to
capture are your own actions. Often, there is no one around to acknowledge your
achievements, especially those little ones that happen in the course of the day.
By focusing a few minutes on your accomplishments, you give yourself a little
pat on the back and recognize progress, even when small.
Having a positive attitude toward your business and toward life in general may
be one of the most important characteristics of successful people. In my years
of experience as a Business Coach, I have observed many successful
entrepreneurs. With very few exceptions, those who are successful and
happy have developed and maintained a positive outlook.
A positive attitude is not accidental. Successful entrepreneurs know how
to create a positive attitude for themselves. They don't just wait for it
to happen.
Start today. Write down or tell someone about the three best things that
happened today. This recognition of the positive things in your life will
restore your confidence and your sense of well-being. You will likely gain a new
perspective, a higher energy level and increased creativity.
Start now. "What was the fun-est thing *you* did today"?
© 1997 - 2005 BizSuccess All rights
reserved. No duplication
About the Author...(for online pubs)
Gary Lockwood is Increasing the Effectiveness and Enhancing the
Lives of CEOs, business owners and professionals. (951) 739-7444
Email: mailto:Gary@BizSuccess.com Web: http://www.BizSuccess.com
About the Author...(for print pubs)
Gary Lockwood is Your Business Coach. Contact Gary for a FREE report
on "Getting Breakthroughs in your business".
(951) 739-7444 * Fax: (509) 695-1017
Email: Gary@BizSuccess.com * Web: www.BizSuccess.com
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