Complaints, Complaints, Complaints. We all do it; sometimes we don’t even realise we’re doing it. Complaining about the weather, life, health, and people… complaining about when things don’t go right. We vent our thoughts and feelings onto the unlucky person who happens to be near us.
Complaining saps our energy and drags others down. Why do we do it? To create laughter (isn’t that what most comedians do?), as a social tool to share experiences or as a method to take action?
So how can we stop complaining? What’s the secret formula? *Drum Roll Please*… and the answer is…
Well, something as simple as rephrasing the complaints into positive comments works.
Instead of the usual set of complaints, share with others the things you value on a day to day basis. Talk about the positive things about your job.
If you’re tired and have to go to work, instead of moaning, have a little grumble but make it positive. “Even though I’m tired, I’m going to get a lot done at work today.”
“I can’t believe I have to cook again!!!” So much emotion and negativity in one small phrase, right? Now, look at it from a different perspective. “I can now try out this new recipe I have been dying to cook”. See what a big difference it makes?
When something happens during the day that you don’t like, so what? Why make it into such a big deal? You can hold the “remote control” if you wish, so take the opportunity and “turn it around”. Focus on what you can change or do to make things right or better.
The ‘No Complaining Rule’ will work wonders for you and the people around you. It’s a lot easier for people who have to listen to you. You’ll be surprised by how much better life is!
Even if you’re having a really bad day, put things into perspective. See the silver lining of the cloud. Live in a state of appreciation.
The appreciation challenge this week is to appreciate at least one thing about each person you meet.
Appreciate all that life has to offer – the chance to breathe in the fresh air, watching the sunset during your commute home, all the little events we take for granted. Not much that we can really complain about now is there?
This blog is part of “The A – Z Challenge”, shifting one negative habit a week into a positive. For more info on the challenge, click here: https://www.innerspace.org.uk/challenges/a-z-challenge.php
