Pretty much every leadership book you ever read encourages leaders to maintain a positive outlook. A combination of optimism, joy, and enthusiasm, we’re told, is infectious, and your team will benefit from a leader who has a bright and cheerful disposition.
If you’re like me, you may have occasionally felt like snarling at the author, “Easier said than done!” But there is a good trick that I use to keep myself positive, and it is really simple.
In your life, always have three things on the calendar that are in the near and intermediate future, that need a little planning, and that you really enjoy.
These things don’t have to be expensive. They could be as simple and straightforward as a family visit, a trip to a museum, or just a day at the beach. But your sense of anticipation rises if they require a little time to plan.
My list right now includes:
1. An opera that will be screened at my local cinema in just over a month followed by dinner at home with friends.
2. A trip with friends to the beach in June.
3. Our summer vacation in August.
Just the anticipation of these fairly simple events and the planning they require puts me in a pretty good mood.
As soon as one of my events is done, I make sure there’s something new to put on the list, and I’m able to recite my list of three at all times.
Who doesn’t need to elevate their mood after this dreadful winter?
