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Rutendo Gwatidzo-Changing Perspectives
Happy new school term to all students. I wish you success in your studies. May you successfully make it to the next level.
The last term of the year is usually considered the most critical by many because it determines whether one gets to proceed to the next level or not.
It is also a term in a season that is clothed with beauty. It’s summer – trees and flowers bloom, people wear summer colourful clothes and people tend to engage in many activities full of fun and adventure. On the other hand, the last quarter of the year comes with so much pressure as organisations and individuals get to chase different end of year targets.
The process of fighting to achieve goals, usually comes with mixed feelings. Some get excited while others get frustrated. Some get positive thinking while others become negative. If not controlled, negative thinking and failure can dominate. In as much as we live every day in a world full of pressure and stress, positive thinking has a way of making things better.
Positive thinking is a mental attitude that focuses on the bright side of things expecting the best possible outcome. We live in a world where challenges are never ending. We are surrounded by troubles on a daily basis and having to cope with all the different kinds of struggles that come along the journey of life can be overwhelming.
In as much as different strategies to mitigate these challenges can be employed, without positivity they can be in vain.
We are in VUCA times where things are Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous.
The environment is very challenging for businesses to operate in. Decision making is not easy because things can change the next day after a significant decision has been made. Managers and employees alike should therefore be flexible and quick to adjust to the different business demands.
Sadly, a good number of employees and managers still operate the traditional way, where they take forever to make a decision or to action one. For this reason, a significant number of organisations are struggling to cope because by the time they want to action a decision that was made, sometimes it would have lost effect already.
The uncertainty and ambiguity environment in organisations has caused a significant number of employees to become very negative, creating a toxic environment in the workplace. The number of teams who go through depression and mental challenges is ever increasing.
One of the reasons is that of spending too much time in a negative environment. Negativity is like a parasite, it makes the body sick and it can affect you in every aspect – spirit, soul and body. Imagine the number of hours you spend at work, if the environment is negative, it can really affect you.
Start with positivity and things will begin to change.
Countless studies and personal anecdotes have demonstrated the profound impact that a positive outlook can have on our mental, emotional and physical well-being. The power of positive thinking is a beacon of hope and resilience.
Positive thinking focuses on strengths and virtues of individuals. It reduces stress and can help counteract harmful effects of stress. It also improves relationships as it fosters stronger and more fulfilling relationships both at personal and professional levels.
While positivity might seem like an elusive goal in a world surrounded by challenges from all angles, there are still practical steps that individuals can take to cultivate an optimistic mindset and environment.
Practice gratitude on a daily basis – in as much as challenges are experienced on a daily basis, almost each and every one of us still remains with something to be grateful for. It is unfortunate that others do not realise that the things they think are negative, may actually be positive in that they push them to do better. You need to train your eyes to see what is good.
Surround yourself with positivity – challenge negative thoughts, do not allow them to rule over you. Spend time with optimistic and supportive individuals who can uplift your spirit. Be careful of the people whom you allow to speak into your life. Some individuals want to make their issues everyone’s issue. My friend, don’t get involved in battles that are not yours.
Sadly, some of those people can leave you hanging while they make amends. Engage in activities you enjoy – participating in activities that bring you joy can boost your mood and overall well-being.
The power of positive thinking is undeniable – just try it and see what it does to you. Positive thinking combined with positive action can lead to success. You behold what you see.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is the managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy – a Culture and Change Management Specialist. She is a multi-award winning leader, Consultant, Speaker and Coach. She is also an Author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence books. Contact detail – 0714575805/ [email protected]
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