10 Easy Ways To Make Your Day Worse

I am always inspired by the blog from Josh Hanagarne, World’s Strongest Librarian. I am inspired by his perspective and his personal and professional journey and I look forward to his books. Last week he wrote a post that deserves wide distribution so I am copying and pointing to most of it here:

10 Easy Ways To Make Your Day Worse
by Josh Hanagarne on May 4, 2010

“1. Hold onto that grudge
2. Blame someone else for your own shortcomings
3. Wonder why anyone wastes their time on you
4. Think of yourself as a lost cause
5. Tell a lie
6. Just kill some time
7. Think about how much you hate your job while you’re at work
8. Belittle someone
9. Tell yourself that you can’t make a difference
10. Slouch in every chair you sit in

It’s easy. On the other hand, if you’d like to feel better instead of worse, you could do the opposite of any or all of these. It’s not as easy or natural, but you won’t regret it when the sun is setting at the end of the day.”

Sometimes, during tough times, it seems easier and cathartic to bemoan our state and lash out. I always try to remind myself that the only person I am hurting with my personal worry, anger or negative thoughts is myself. That’s just not my goal and when I find myself lingering too long in a bad place, I move, I leap, I change paths. I am no good or use to myself, my family, my co-workers or my employers if I can’t work on positive action and attitude to make progress – personal, professional and institutional.

I can’t model the good behaviours every minute but I sure try to remind myself about Josh’s story and staying positive and engaging in positive action. In today’s world more than ever.

Check out Josh’s story and blog. It’s worth your time.

Stephen (Little Stevie Sunshine on a good day!)