Maybe all is not what it seems…?
If you look on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc all you’ll see is plenty of positive shiny posts from bright, successful people… You’ll see them winning awards, opening a new office, celebrating their coffee, dogs, and new contracts awarded… They are smiling, symmetrical, positive, whilst achieving their goals and ambitions making money, living the dream… |
They have the perfect business, lifestyle, and income – their dog is better than yours and their partner is better looking too… Here’s a picture of my* Ferrari I keep at Silverstone for when I get over to the UK and fancy a quick blast around the circuit on a Sunday morning… *when I say “my” Ferrari – I mean it’s my picture of some random Ferrari I found on Pixabay that I thought would look cool to my “millions” of readers… |
And here’s the problem with social media…
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They clearly have everything figured out, why am I still struggling…?
So we lie here awake at 03.17 wondering where the next client, prospect, or lead will come from… Will we make it, are we going to make the rent, mortgage, and utilities this month… |
Perhaps my wife was right after all, and I should go and get a job…We do the right things, we are good at what we do, have passion, knowledge, and the ability to deliver value and fabulous outcomes to our clients… Our business, clients, money, and future weigh on our minds so heavily that it affects our sleep, health, and relationships… But we have to look on the bright side, stay positive, be happy and confident – because confidence sells right…? |
And then we fall victim to the plague of Toxic Positivity…
…the excessive and ineffective over generalisation of a happy, optimistic state across all situations.Being optimistic, upbeat, and enthusiastic is great – but remember, it’s ok to feel sad, unhappy, or depressed from time to time… Sometimes life sucks, it kicks us in the teeth, it doesn’t go to plan and we sit and question everything… The people around us try to help, but when they say… …cheer up, worse things happen at sea…We just feel like poking them in the face with a stick… Of course, Positivity is good – probably 90% of the time… Sometimes we have to go and punch the wall, scream, cry or vent our anger and frustration without being told… …go to your happy place…My “happy place” is to curl up in a ball with a large glass of Malbec and scream at the moon as I have an extended Pity Party… And a Pity Party is OK – it’s allowed...
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But only for a short while – when you’ve punched the wall, looked at jobs to apply for at the supermarket, and cursed everyone you can think of…
We have to get back on the horse, shake it off and get back to business – but of course, you’ll never see that on LinkedIn because perfect people have perfect shiny lives…
But somehow, letting off steam is cathartic. Anger, frustration, and fear is a form of energy creation – providing we channel it to move forwards after we’ve kicked the wall a few times then all is good…
I allow myself 2 hrs for a Pity Party – then I Shake it Off…
So, for those of you living, working, or supporting someone going through a tough time, here are some tips for avoiding Toxic Positivity… |
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If you’d like a FREE copy of one of my eBooks – all about getting rid of the Night Demons, planning for the future, and enjoying the ride a bit more – just drop me a note and I’ll send it over to you… Plus, you can check out our next Workshops too…
Cheers Dave |
Epilogue…
If you or someone you know is living in a state of stress, depression, anger, or sadness – GET THEM HELP… We are not psychologists, so make sure they speak with the experts – getting help is the new normal, make sure it’s part of the new future too… Here’s the LINK to UK Samaritans – if you think someone needs it – make sure they use it… AND – if anyone reading this wants to talk, chat, have a virtual coffee and simply put some sense into the world – I’m here… |