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As an organization that trumpets positive thinking, we want to look at how optimism affects human nature, suffering and adversary. The power of happiness is universally recognized. You can see it lettered in the subway, in motivational posters, in pop songs and in books, in conferences and symposiums. It’s infectious and it’s effective.

But why? Think back to the last time you experienced a loss or went through a hardship. Did you respond by venting? Did you dwell on the disappointment? Or did you look for meaning through the adversity? Did you bounce back?

Freud Wasn’t Always Right

Freud stipulated that people simply needed to express their anxiety and anger. For many years, psychologists followed this line of thinking. But new research says otherwise. Positive emotion does a better job at undoing a stressful negative experience, thereby leading to happiness and positivity. It’s more than positive thinking; it’s resilience.Distech.whatMakesHappyA positive outlook in the face of hardships is the most important predictor of resilience. It helps people quickly recover from difficult circumstances and bounce back. People who are resilient are more optimistic and are better able to regulate their emotions through the most trying times.

The Importance of Optimism

To illustrate, consider how a study examined 750 Vietnam war veterans. These brave men were held prisoners for six to eight years, tortured and kept in solitary confinement. The study found that unlike other veterans, they did not develop posttraumatic stress disorder or depression. They were resilient, optimistic, and altruistic. They derived meaning from trauma and grew wiser about it.

Although this situation is not likely to occur in our target niche, we are simply stressing how important optimism is in whatever circumstances we are facing in life. Whether it’s a challenging time for your market or a difficulty in the workplace, finding the silver lining is the first step to finding the light.

Let us show you how to find the light and how to keep it. Contact us today.

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Winston Churchill once said, “We are the masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.” This quote impressively drives home just how important it is to be cautious with our words.

Knowing just how much power your words have over people and ultimately yourself will give you a better understanding on how they affect behavior. It can also help you understand the advantage you can create for yourself and those around you when used correctly.SDA 2014 Conference 1

Let me tell you about the power that words have and how they affect your behavior.

Positivity

Words like, “I want…,” “yes,” “I will…,” “thank you” and positive-centered phrases may sound selfish. Saying them aloud, however, puts them out into the universe and lets your actions work towards it. This is the subconscious effect of your positive words to your behavior, the law of attraction.

Encouraging others does the same. Remember how your words have power on how you make others feel. Cheering up someone who is feeling down will require a lot of positivity, so you had better choose your words wisely and project good vibrations only towards him or her.

Negativity

For every notion of positivity there is plenty of opportunity for negativity. Dealing with negativity and employee performance, however, is about striking a balance. As a motivational speaker, I work in a space where the presence of negativity is undeniably obvious, be it in casual conversation or in a more formal, corporate setting. How should one counter an attitude of negativity? With positivity. My job is to create the balance; to be the equilibrium.

The rule applies for negativity in action or simply verbally expressed, and often they come in tandem. To combat negatively from both sides, your words and your actions have to be positive. Your upbeat words and message need to be mirrored by your positive, confident, happy body language.NAHU Flash Mob 2013-03-25 at 2.38.54 PM

The challenge comes from having the patience to carefully select the words and tone you choose to use. Great leaders will embody these fundamental principles and communicate with employees and staff in a positive, self-empowering way, regardless of the circumstance. That approach instills a calming reassurance that can help shape employees into future leaders.

It is not easy. In fact, it is deceptively difficult. Exuding confidence and positivity takes practice. But with your words, you can create change. If you need more help, do not hesitate to drop me a line and we can talk about how to further your employees’ growth and performance through positive words and actions.

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Advances in technology are helping businesses get the job done faster and easier. The pace is so fast that not every employee can follow, though. As your business needs to transition to new technologies now, it’s best to prepare everybody for what’s coming.

Change is constant, even in the workplace. If you have employees who beg to differ, however, then you shouldn’t force them. Let them know how important this is for your operations by doing the following:

Influence Them with a Motivational Speaker

As one of the leaders in your business, you can ask for help to double your convincing powers. An effective motivational speaker doesn’t only inspire and motivate their audience. They need to have the natural skills to bring passion and positivity to your employees, so you can help improve job satisfaction. In addition, they understand the type of audience they’re talking with. They use a language that’s easy to understand, while including humor to make their speeches interesting.Happiness at work

Let Them Attend Trainings According to Needs

The workforce – not the new technologies – is the most important asset of your business. It’s best to let them understand that their cooperation is necessary to keep the operations going. Forcing them to a decision isn’t advisable because there’s a possibility that they might not give their 100% to the job.

A person’s familiarity with technology differs. Find out why your employees can’t or don’t want to adapt to the new technology. Don’t let them say no without trying, though. Let them attend preview sessions and trainings, so they’ll have an idea about the work they’ll soon perform.

At Brad Montgomery, we understand how you want your employees to advance further. Contact us for more information about our corporate leadership, marketing, motivational, and productivity presentations. We don’t only reach to your employees, we find ways to keep them driven at work.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]First of all, this is not about me telling you how great I am, although I’d love to do that.  (Who doesn’t?)  That’s pompous and self-aggrandizing, and not what I’m after here —though you’ll have to hang on to the end of the article to believe me.   So if I seem braggy here, I don’t mean to; just hang on to the end and you’ll see.  You’ll get a nice surprise.  Like ice cream.  Or maybe something less cold.

The subject of today’s lesson:  Motivator, Motivate Thyself.  (Have your ever heard that expression, “Doctor, heal thyself?”  This is like that.)  Or I could also call it, What I Learn From My Audience.  Two great titles; one great blog post.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/4VdS7cqF9dg”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was in San Diego recently, giving what, in all modesty, was a kick-ass motivational speech (some days go just better than others–great audience, great room, enough beauty sleep), and afterwards this very nice gentleman from the audience came up to talk to me.  After my business presentations or motivational speeches, frequently people want to connect …and I love it.  I love to hear what they heard.  I love to know what resonated… It often surprises me.

But I digress.  Anyway, this man came up to me and started thanking me and telling me how awesome it was to business speaker Bradhave someone reminding him to stay upbeat, to look for life’s positives instead of the negatives, to get out there and really enjoy what life and living has to offer.  He went on and on;  I’m telling you he positively gushed.  He said I was a great reminder of positivity.  That my stories about staying upbeat generally and especially at work were valuable.  But most of all, he said, he thought I was a great example myself of positivity. Me.  I know.  I thanked him profusely, was very appreciative, very humble, and underneath I was thinking, What a fraud I am!

Because, the truth is, I don’t always see the positives in my life.  I think I’m a bit more positive than the average person..ok, I might even be quite a bit more positive.  But that doesn’t mean I’m always able to stay upbeat.   And lately I’ve struggled being positive with my kids.

So, this man, whose only thought was to compliment me and tell me how great it was that I had reminded him to focus on life’s positives, actually became the motivator.  He reminded me that we all need reminders.  He was, after all, my reminder.  So that minute I resolved to be a better father, a better friend, a better leader.

What’s my point?  Staying positive is important.  It’s valuable. And it’s difficult.  REALLY difficult.  Therefore we ALL need constant reminders of the how-to’s, the importance, and the necessity of staying positive.

What’s that mean?  It means this:  what are YOU doing to stay positive.  I can tell you what I’m doing:

• Listening to motivational speakers.  (I’m gonna listen to my own recording… No..that’s just wrong.)

• Listen to upbeat comedians.

• Read positive books.  Watch positive TV.

So, this week, thanks to my generous audience member, I’m focusing on motivating myself:  finding the positive, acknowledging the good, being grateful for this wonderful life I have.  In other words, motivating myself.

If you need a motivational speaker who speaks to the people side of business, call me, Brad Montgomery.  I’ll be busy motivating myself — it’s a constant struggle.  (It is for ALL of us.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Brad Montgomery is a business and motivational speaker who speaks to leaders, sales teams, and organizations of all types hoping to get the most out of their people.  He helps them to restart their passion, their purpose, and their desire to be their best.  Want more from your team?  Contact us for more info about bringing Brad in to your meeting or conference.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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