Three No Complaining Tools

Happy Friday Friends!

I hope and trust you are all having a great day!

I wanted to share with all of you this morning a few things from "The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work" by Jon Gordon.

Three No Complaining Tools
1. The But - Positive Technique. This simple strategy helps you turn complaints into positive thoughts, solutions, and actions. When you realize you are complaining, you simply add the word "but" and then add a positive thought or action plan.

2. Focus on "Get To" instead of "Have To." Too often we complain and focus on what we have to do. We say things like "I have to go to work." "I have to drive here." "I have to do this or that." Instead, shift your perspective and realize it's not about having to do anything. You get to do things. You get to live this life. Focus on what you get to do. Focus on feeling blessed instead of stressed. Focus on gratitude.

3. Turn Complaints into Solutions. The goal is not to eliminate all complaining. The intent is to eliminate the kind of mindless complaining that doesn't serve a greater purpose and allow complaining that is justified and worthwhile. The opposite of mindless complaining is justified complaining. The former is negative and the latter is positive. The difference is intent. With mindless complaining, you are mindlessly focusing on problems; however, with justified complaining you identify a problem and the complaint moves you toward a solution. Every complaint represents an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive.

Here are a couple of other quick thoughts, observations for you on Day 3 of the Haslam Family Vacation:

• The happiest place on earth is found in the condition of your heart, not a physical location.
• Watching the eyes of a 6-year old dance at the sights and sounds of Disneyland reminds you of the pure-hearted innocence and wonder - the dreams - we are all intended to live with daily.
• Watching an 11-year old help others, not worry about someone cutting in front of them or being rude, reminds you of how you are supposed to live daily.
• Watching a15-year old deal with the confusion of "I am too cool for this" but "this makes my heart feel really good" reminds you of how silly it is that we get so wrapped up in what others think.
• Having your Beautiful Bride gently lay her head on your chest as you stand in yet another long line or slip her hand into yours as you listen to 3 boys -simultaneously - tell you their story from the latest adventure or softly kiss your cheek as you are deep in thought about your dreams reminds you that God truly gave you the greatest gift on earth when He gave you her.
• I am WAY more blessed than I could ever deserve!!!

Please let me know if there is anything I can ever do for any of you. I will always be willing to help you any way I can!

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, enjoy your families and Go USA Women's Soccer!!!

Kev