| Let us say that you have decided to close the door | | | | her know that I am working hard to stay on the |
| to negative people (figuratively, of course). What is | | | | upside instead of the downside and am going to |
| tough about this decision is that sometimes the | | | | work to focus differently. |
| negative people work in our offices (or live in our | | | | 3. I will walk away from situations in the office that |
| homes or are related to us in some way). Deciding to | | | | look like they will turn into negativity sessions. |
| "close the door" on the people who are negative is a | | | | 4. I will learn more about the personal parts of every |
| first step. However, because we may need to | | | | one of these people's life so that I can ask questions |
| interact with these folks on a regular basis, we do | | | | to help them focus on something good that is |
| have to take further steps after our decision so that | | | | happening. |
| it comes to fruition. | | | | 5. I will ask the boss if she/he can encourage all of us |
| We will use the example of metaphorically "closing | | | | to look on the bright side and bring our creativity to |
| the door" on your interaction with colleagues who are | | | | situations that seem gloomy. |
| forever buzzing around and upsetting you and others | | | | 6. I will resign from particular committees that involve |
| with their fear-mongering, negativity, and gossip. | | | | extensive interaction with these three people and |
| Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario in | | | | seek different opportunities to contribute to the |
| many workplaces today. | | | | organization. These are six options. I have no idea |
| Step one is to say to yourself, "I am closing the door | | | | what will work in your situation so you can continue |
| on the gossip and negativity and fear from these | | | | generating possible options or modifications to the |
| three colleagues who have infested my thinking for | | | | ideas suggested above. |
| the last 3 years." | | | | Is closing the door on negative people as easy as |
| Step two is to begin to generate the ways that will | | | | deciding to eat something besides yogurt everyday |
| allow you to accomplish this (and it is not easy, I | | | | for lunch? Nope. You're up to the challenge, though, |
| know!) Here are some possibilities to consider | | | | aren't you? |
| implementing: | | | | If you want your life to be better, if you want |
| | | | something to be different this time next year, if you |
| 1. I will be ready to change the subject whenever | | | | want your energy focused on the upside instead of |
| one or more of them start talking with me and it is | | | | the downside, then you will want to open yourself to |
| negative. | | | | solutions. |
| 2. I will specifically speak to each person and let him | | | | |
