"Be the most positive person in the room." It's a poster that caught my eye on a colleague's virtual background and stuck with me. Let's be real—staying upbeat isn’t always easy. When life gets overwhelming, the pessimistic voices tend to get louder, overshadowing the bigger picture.
This year, trips to New York and California were game-changers. The optimism there was infectious, leaving me convinced that anything is possible. Those trips silenced the doubts in my mind.
Starting my new leadership role, I decided to carry that energy with me. My focus is on being a positive influence and staying aware of my reactions, especially during tough times, to create the right environment for my team. It's not about ignoring challenges but embracing them, knowing my team has my unwavering support to get through them.
This week, I’m diving into feel-good content to lift our moods and how we can all spread a bit more joy into our lives.
Read: Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Live
Roxie Nafousi, known for her work as a self-development and manifestation coach, writes books that guide people through seven steps to transform their lives and reach their goals. One key step she emphasizes is aligning your behavior with your intentions. It’s not just about thinking positively but turning those thoughts into purposeful actions.
So Wat? action: Take time to review who you are spending your time with. Are they aligned with who you want to become? Surrounding yourself with positive people who believe in you and your dreams encourages you to pursue them. Remember, you have the power to do this for others too.
Heard: My Feel Better, Live More by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author
After learning about my redundancy, one habit saved me: journaling. Coincidentally, I listened to this podcast just a few weeks before and started the practice as a New Year’s resolution for my mental wellbeing.
The premise of the podcast is to “empower you to become the architect of your own health. Because when you feel better, you live more.” The episode on journaling shows the transformative power of the practice and why it helps you lead a more purposeful life: better decision making, improved sleep, and decreased emotional stress are just a few benefits.
What I love most about it? It's free, easy, and takes less than 5 minutes a day. With the structure provided in the podcast, maintaining the habit was much easier.
So Wat? action: Journal the six questions. Habit stack it with other rituals you perform in your morning/evening routine (e.g. morning coffee or post-brushing your teeth). It may feel unnatural at first and take a little longer, but once it becomes a habit, it will be a powerful tool to remind you to appreciate what you have, what you can achieve, and let go of what no longer serves you.AM
What is one thing you deeply appreciate about your life?
What is the most important thing you have to do today?
What quality do you want to show the world today?
PM
What went well today?
What did you do for someone else?
What can you do differently tomorrow?
Watched: Ted Lasso
I once heard a quote about the show: “It finds you at the moment you need it the most.” The show follows a fictional American football coach who takes over a UK football team. Initially, the owner wants the team to fail, but everyone ends up loving Ted and his unconventional methods. And the rest is history.
This week, I’m thinking about Ted’s first meeting with the owner, Rebecca. He enters with boundless energy and warmth, softening her defences and starting a genuine relationship. It shows the true power of positivity and warmth in making first impressions and setting the tone for what’s to come.
So Wat? action: Small acts of kindness and a positive attitude have huge impact to people’s day. It can be as simple as greeting your team with a smile or sending a note of appreciation to a colleague. You have the power to create a supportive, uplifting environment.
Wore: My brightest dress
As I’ve grown older, I’ve become the queen of muted tones. In pursuit of a streamlined wardrobe, bright colours have all but disappeared—except for one dress.
At first glance, I may look like “Big Bird” or even a giant Squashie sweet, but this dress makes me smile from the moment I put it on. I have great memories of wearing it on happy occasions, and I know it radiates joy and boosts the moods of those around me.
So Wat? action: Banish the beige. Reach for bright colors in your wardrobe. Dopamine dressing can be a simple way to boost your positivity and make yourself feel good.