Plugging into Positivity

            Within each person dwells a hunger for positive feedback and approval. We crave those little tidbits that spur us on; a pat on the back, a kind word, an honest compliment, a ‘like’ on our social media posts – and for good reason. From the moment we wake up till we crawl into bed, our minds are barraged with negative input, be it through the news, social media, or those hard-to-please clients.

            Unfortunately, small doses of positivity here and there don’t stick with us very long. They are all too quickly overrun by negative comments, criticism, or unreasonable expectations. As an author, I am mindful of these constant ups and downs. A few weeks ago, I was thrilled to receive over five thousand ‘likes’ on one of my author-page Facebook posts, “Ode to Autumn.” Within a few days, I’d plummeted to a conservative ten or more likes on subsequent posts. That fleeting euphoria was quickly countered by the reality that ups inevitably come down and earthly achievements are as fleeting as a breath.

            Therein lies an important truth, especially for those of us who are self-employed; maintaining a positive mindset should not and cannot be dependent on positive feedback alone. We must plug into positivity on a regular basis in order to receive the strength, energy, and drive to continue, to succeed. That responsibility lies squarely on our shoulders.

            Allow me to share a few plug-ins that have helped me push forward as an author and speaker:

1. Don’t compare yourself to other writers, only to the writer you were yesterday
2. Your worth can never be determined by someone other than God.
3. Each day offers a fresh start
4. My life matters. What I do matters.
5. My self-worth does not depend on how much I accomplish today
6. Do your best, give God the rest
7. Focus on today. Yesterday is past, tomorrow is not mine to worry about.
8. Remember the kudos, consider the critiques that push me in a positive direction, toss out the rest.
9. Celebrate other people’s successes as you would have them celebrate yours.
10. Ultimately, God is in control (Psalm 46:10)

If you would like to contribute some of your own positive plug-ins, please feel free to comment at www.ReneeVajkoSrch.com.