Staying Positive in a Negative Environment

by Harriet Meyerson

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you're working in a negative environment, taking steps to relieve stress, being generous and sharing your sense of humor can help you stay positive.

Don't despair if you feel trapped in a pit of negativity at work. You can climb out of that negative rut and start enjoying your job.

Matt Weinstein, author of Managing to Have Fun and co-author of Work Like Your Dog, asks,

"Why is it that when you have two people in identical, high-stress situations, one of them falls apart and the other one moves beautifully through the situation? It's because of the different ways they internalize what's going on. Stress doesn't exist in the outside world; it just exists inside your head. And you can choose the way you perceive it."

When negative people can't push your buttons, their negativity loses its power. So, be careful not to reply to negative remarks with any hint of sarcasm, hostility, or ridicule in your voice, and don't try to get revenge. They're the experts, and you can't win at their game.

Instead, play your own - be cheerful and stay positive by using these eight strategies.

BE A ROLE MODEL

People who have lived with negativity all their lives are just doing what they have been shown to do. Show them there's another way by being a role model. On a calendar, keep track of the positive things you do. Reviewing it will make you feel more in control.

REWARD ANYTHING POSITIVE

Whenever someone at work acts positively, acknowledge it with a smile, compliment or pleasant word. This will reward andreinforce the positive behavior.

LEARN FROM CRITICISM

How do you handle criticism when you make mistakes at work?

"The next time you're criticized for making a mistake, ask yourself, `What can I learn from this so I won't make the same mistake next time?"

Weinstein says. "Instead of beating yourself over the head for not being perfect, you can say to yourself, `Hey, nobody's perfect--- how can I learn from my mistakes if I never make any?'"

USE STRESS-BUSTING STRATEGIES

When you feel stressed, use these proven stress-busting strategies to keep you calm:

• Keep a stress journal.
• Look for the humor in the situation.
• Read something inspirational.
• Call a friend.
• Take an exercise break.

NOTICE THE FUNNY SIDE OF OFFICE LIFE

"There's no such thing as a `fun job' or a `not-fun job.' Fun doesn't happen from the outside in; it happens from the inside out. You can learn to look at difficult situations with new eyes and find the fun in them," says Weinstein.

To keep fun front and center, write a funny office soap opera. Whenever something negative happens, add it to your comedy script.

FIND SOMETHING TO ENJOY

Which part of your job do you like best? You'll have something to look forward to each day if you can end your workday with the task you enjoy most.

CREATE SMILES

Do something once a week for your co-workers that will put smiles on their faces. Bring in homemade cookies. Wear a happy-face button. Post a funny cartoon on the bulletin board. Pass out trivia questions, riddles, word puzzles, etc.

THINK OF YOURSELF AS A GIFT

When others are negative, many people take it personally and feel rejected.

"But if you can think of yourself as a gift, it `s much easier to view any rejection with compassion," says Weinstein. "Say to yourself, `Hey, just because this person doesn't want to take the time to unwrap the package and check out the gift, that's her problem, not mine. It doesn't make me any less valuable a present.' "

Regardless of how anyone else behaves, you'll climb out of the negativity pit when you use these strategies. And, your cheerful spirit and positive outlook will make you happier at work and home.

Harriet Meyerson spoke with Matt Weinstein, author of Managing to Have Fun, Simon & Schuster, 2000, $12, and co-author of Work Like Your Dog, Random House, 2000, $22.95.

*Published in VITALITY Magazine, April, 2001. Reprinted with permission. VITALITY Magazine is sold by subscription only - both to individuals, and in bulk to companies for their employees. Visit their web to find hundreds of articles on Health, Happiness and Productivity. www.vitality.com Vitality, a monthly wellness magazine, is $13.90 for 12 issues for individuals. Special corporate rates are available. Subscribe by calling 800-524-1176.

Learn more about staying positive.

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