We were returning from Guadalajara to the California border on the Mexican train. It was late summer and we had about 80 tourists on board. It was about three o'clock in the afternoon. As our train chugged through the Sonora desert, the temperature outside was pushing 120 degrees. As long as the train's air-conditioners worked, everything was cool.
But as we rolled on, the train began to slow down. Finally after a few minutes, it jolted to a dead stop. As the sun beat down on us, one of the air-conditioning units, already working to capacity, overloaded and failed. This prompted the other two units to quit. Within minutes our train car became a Dutch-oven-on-wheels.
At this point a funny thing happened to our traveling customers. They no longer liked the product. Our wonderful adventure program was quickly turning into a hellish experience. Apologizing for the situation would only focus attention on the dilemma. Frankly, I didn’t know quite what to do.
As tour leader facing total mutiny, I took a chance. I began to sing…Shine on Harvest Moon.
As our group baked in the desert, the singing actually began to reframe the situation. Slowly, one by one at first, the group began to join in and sing. Other hard-liners chuckled at the ridiculous situation, but then they also began to join in. Soon the entire train car was enveloped in music.
There we were, sitting in the middle of the desert, singing and sweating. It was ridiculous...but it was also a powerful experience. Was singing a guaranteed fix to the train problem? Not by a long shot. We were still stranded in the desert. But the experience was a highly interactive process that got our team of travelers back on a more positive track.
The mood-changing ability of song can be a powerful tool for individuals and groups alike.
But keep in mind it’s only one creative way to keep your world upbeat and manageable. Experiment with a variety of approaches to make your life and workplace more dynamic, productive and enjoyable.
Here are seven more tips to help you. See if they don’t make a positive difference in your day.
1. Get out of Your PeeJays!
In other words, get active. We all find ourselves in a lousy mood from time to time. However, if our response is to sit around in our pajamas and mope, the condition will only prolong itself because we are focused on our weakness instead of our wellness.
Feeling down? Go for a walk. Stressed out? Rake the leaves. Write to a friend, sing a favorite song or wash the car. The objective is to engage in healthy activity so as to short-circuit any negative mindset.
2. Avoid Buttheads.
As we said, your mind must be protected from the negative influence of others. Unless you feed it the proper diet of healthy thoughts, the mind will absorb anything you feed it. Avoid cynical people. You cannot hang around negative people and be your best. Negativity, just like laughter, is infectious.
Years ago, a group of Boy Scouts was standing at attention during troop inspection. As the scoutmaster slowly walked down the row of uniformed boys, he suddenly wheeled around to one and hollered in his face, “Quick, your buddy’s just been bitten by a rattlesnake. What are you going to do?”
Somewhat startled, the boy shouted back, “Run from the snake!”
Although his buddy might disagree, the scout was partly right. Distance yourself from the poison. The bad attitudes of others can be a toxin that poisons the spirit. Keep your distance from snakes -- and buttheads.
3. Maintain an Attitude of Gratitude.
Although we make many suggestions, this exercise is the most important. Because if you can master the art of gratitude, you will find yourself in possession of one of the most powerful, stabilizing agents in your life.
Gratitude can change your mood in an instant. An attitude of gratitude can bring on tranquility where there was stress; calmness where there was worry. The proof is in the following exercise.
Find a quiet place you can sit for five uninterrupted minutes. During these five minutes strive to be specifically thankful. In other words, give thanks to the house you live in, the car you drive, friends you know, the health you have, the air you breathe, past successes, failures and lessons. Be thankful for it all!
Find the take home value in every conceivable part of your life, regardless of the condition. The more good you find, the more “good” will come back to you. This process will not only have a calming effect but will very likely be the highest valued five minutes you spend today.
4. Establish a “Cool Committee”.
Find some people at work who have a reputation for coming up with cool, creative ideas. Encourage them to brainstorm some inexpensive, creative ways to encourage some fun and positive spirit in your workplace. No pranks or jokes, just light stuff that helps relax and recharge the group.
These ideas should not interfere with the operation of the business nor should they distract other workers. What we’re striving for is a user-friendly feel of the place.
5. Visualize the Best.
You’re going to have times when you’re right on target, having a great day. Make a note of some of the memorable components. Visualize the day in as much detail as possible. What caused the day to go well? How could you elicit a repeat performance?
If you’re having a bad day, regroup and mentally recall a better one. Take a few minutes to “see” yourself back on target, relaxing, enjoying the surroundings, and enjoying yourself.
6. Don’t Be Goofy.
Years ago, Walt Disney did a parody on the American driver. Goofy played the sophisticated, relaxed family man who was a perfect gentleman - until he got behind the wheel. As soon as the engine roared, so did Goofy. Swerving, skidding and screaming at slowpokes, he became a raving, roadway lunatic. Goofy took his driving very seriously. Do you?
Our suggestion? Use the traffic jam as a trigger to, relax. You don’t have to blow kisses to motorists, just relax, lighten, and enjoy the ride.
7. Build up the Other Guy.
When Benjamin Franklin was 20 years old, he wrote something in his journal we can all benefit from. He said, “I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever…” In other words, he vowed to never criticize, badmouth or impugn anyone, but instead, find the good in everyone.
Encouragement, support, and well-placed compliments all do wonders to build character and motivate others. Make it a goal to compliment at least three people per day. After awhile, you will find it easier to encourage others as you refine this skill. A skill that will build you into a better, more relaxed human being.
