Serve, Coach, Lead Newsletter #25: How Do We Remove Negativity From Our Lives?

Blue Clear Sky Album Cover - George Strait

"Negativity affects you negatively 100% of the time."

-Trevor Moawad in his book, It Takes What It Takes.

This is something that we all inherently know is true, however we sometimes allow a negative mindset to affect us when things aren't going our way.

Today we are going to dive into some practical ways to avoid negativity, and free ourselves up to view our daily circumstances neutrally. Both negative and overly positive emotional reactions to our circumstances can cloud our judgement. The ability to objectively analyze a situation can help us choose the best course of action.

It all comes down to our behavior. As Moawad points out, great teams behave like great teams. Our behavior precedes our success. Behavior is not only what we do, but what we choose not to do.

Growing up, Moawad's father, Bob Moawad (a well-known motivational speaker) had a set of household rules that helped them keep negativity out of their family:

1. No national news (local weather and sports allowed)

2. No country music or rhythm and blues

3. The word "can’t" was outlawed - in any form

4. "No stinkin’ thinkin’" (no complaining; we are problem solvers, not problem seekers)

Now, I know that any one of these four things could be a major lifestyle change for many of us.

Also, before you dismiss everything I say because I suggested not listening to country music, please know that I am a huge country music fan (especially 80's and 90's country). However, think about how many country songs are about loneliness, heartbreak, binge drinking, and other unfavorable situations?

I believe the other three Moawad household rules are also somewhat simple:

1. There is rarely ever any good news on television. Feel-good stories that brighten our spirits are few and far between.

3. If the word "can't" is avoided, then excuses slowly turn into accountability and action to overcome adversity

4. I love this one. No complaining. None. If there is a problem, we will seek to find a solution. We will not go out of our way to find issues that could be overcome with a better perspective.

This week, I encourage you to choose one of the four Moawad household rules and apply it to your daily life. Encourage others around you to adopt these lifestyle changes, and help keep each other accountable. As you begin to notice less negative thoughts and emotions, work to incorporate the other guidelines. Slowly, we can build a mindset that is unaffected by outside, uncontrollable circumstances.

And if you're going to listen to country music, (I know will), try a few of my favorite happy tunes like Blue Clear Sky by George Strait and It's a Great Day to Be Alive by Travis Tritt.

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Thank you for your support, and I look forward to connecting with you all next week.

God Bless!