It took me a long time to realize that everyday is a choice. We each choose, every day how we’re going to interact, relate and live If we’re going to be frustrated, or upset or happy or sad. It’s always up to us.

Earlier in my life I blamed all of my woes on everyone and everything around me, it was always someone or something elses fault, but never me…

I suppose you could say that I was naive..or perhaps a slower learner. πŸ™‚ However, I’d like to think that it’s better late than never – right?

It really wasn’t until I began to take time to look inwardly at who I really was that things came together for me personally.

However, by this point I felt like I’d missed a lot of opportunities for real joy and happiness in my life, always too caught up in the day to day frustrations to “smell the roses”.

This fact was difficult to come to terms with, particularly since I was the problem.

This little epiphany was quite the slap in the face, because for many of us it’s hard to see beyond your own ego and the life in front of you at that very moment to be able to step back and see life for what it is.

I realized that negativity begets negativity. No, if’s, and’s or but’s about that! And so to make real change I needed to rethink how I viewed and approached the world on a day to day basis.

I decided that each morning I would reset, and look for the positive energy in the world around me.

I endeavoured to smile more, take my time, enjoy the small moments while letting the negative thoughts wash over me rather than weigh me down. As I’d like to say “like water off a duck’s back!”

Who would of guessed that such a small adjustment would have such a profound and positive impact on my life, as well as those around me.

It only takes one person to have a positive outlook and before you know you’re feeling the upbeat mood.

This is a game changer! Sure enough others pick up on the positive energy and often begin to follow suit, sometimes in small ways to start, but before long you have a mini movement on your hands.

I would challenge you to try this simple technique every day for a week and see what a dose of positive energy will do to brighten you up and also those around you. πŸ™‚

As a leader I know I set the tone, and I found this simple mindset change completely energized both me and everyone who I came in contact with, whether it be for work or play.

This was especially true with Zach and Sam and the many conversations I’ve had with them around this topic over the past couple of years.

The best method I’ve found is that after my alarm goes off each morning, and before I leap out of bed to embrace the new day I spend a moment reflecting on how lucky I am.

I am also very grateful for Zach and Sam, and those that are near and dear to me, but also for the incredible life I’ve created and everything that is before me – each and every day.

I also remind myself that I choose positivity and love over frustration and anger.

This now has become second nature, but it took some positive self talk early on to change the soundtrack in my head.

Often convincing yourself via positive talk can be the biggest hurdle for us all. That damn psyche!

There is no question that some days are harder than others, but it’s important to endeavour to start each day with a positive mindset.

Now, that’s not to say we won’t have hurdles and speed bumps each day, but it’s how you handle these annoyances and minor frustrations that set the tone for the remainder of your day.

If you start on a positive note, then you’re halfway there…

I also am painfully aware that if you start off grumpy and grouchy then your negative tone will also self fulfil over the course of the day and you’ll find yourself playing the victim in your own self made opera. And not a grand opera at that!

No thanks!

Now that I’ve seen what the Power of Positivity can do both for me and others it’s a simple choice.

If nothing more, I hope this week’s episode gives you a moment to take pause and reflect…cos’ isn’t self awareness one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. πŸ™‚

Until next week!

Ciao