Take Control: How to Become a Positive Influence in Leadership

The Power of Control: How to Maintain a Positive Attitude in Leadership

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, it is easy to become swept up in the thoughts and emotions of those around us. We are constantly bombarded with messages and stimuli from social media, news outlets, and the people we interact with daily. It can be difficult to maintain a sense of self in the midst of all this noise. However, it is crucial that we take the time to reflect on our own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and recognize that we have the power to control them. This is especially true when it comes to leadership.

As a leader, you set the tone for those around you. Your mood, energy, emotions, attitude, and effort can have a significant impact on the people you lead. It is important to recognize that while you can influence those around you, you cannot control them. Therefore, it is crucial that you take ownership of your own thoughts and emotions, rather than allowing others to dictate them.

One way to think about this is to consider the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. A thermometer simply reflects the temperature of the environment around it. It reacts to external factors without any control over them. In contrast, a thermostat sets the temperature for the environment around it. It takes control of its surroundings and creates the conditions it desires. As a leader, you have the power to be a thermostat. You can choose to set the tone for those around you, rather than simply reacting to the environment.

This article will explore the importance of taking control of your own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and provide practical tips for doing so. We will discuss how your mood, energy, emotions, attitude, and effort can impact your leadership and the people you lead. Additionally, we will explore the danger of using others’ negative actions to justify your own, and the importance of holding yourself accountable to your own standards. Ultimately, we will encourage you to recognize that you control you. It’s time to act like it.

Their Mood is Not Your Mood

Mood refers to the emotional state that a person is in at a particular moment. It can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including external circumstances, internal thoughts and feelings, and physiological factors like hunger or fatigue. As a leader, your mood can have a significant impact on the people around you. If you are feeling positive and upbeat, your team is likely to feel the same way. However, if you are in a bad mood, your team may feel demotivated or stressed.

The danger of allowing others’ moods to dictate your own is that you give up control over your own emotional state. If you allow yourself to be swept up in someone else’s negativity or stress, you may find yourself feeling drained and overwhelmed. Additionally, if you allow yourself to react emotionally to every situation that arises, you may find it difficult to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

So how can you maintain your own positive mood, even when others around you are feeling negative or stressed? Here are some practical tips:

1. Practice mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath and become aware of your thoughts and emotions. This can help you become more in tune with your own emotional state, and better able to recognize when you are being influenced by others.

2. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and emotions, and towards the positive aspects of your life.

3. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

4. Surround yourself with positive people: Seek out colleagues and friends who have a positive outlook on life, and try to spend more time with them. This can help reinforce your own positive mood, and provide a buffer against the negativity of others.

By taking control of your own mood, you can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits both you and your team. Remember, their mood is not your mood. You have the power to choose your emotional state, regardless of the circumstances around you.

Their Energy is Not Your Energy

Energy levels are an important factor in our daily lives. They impact our productivity, motivation, and ability to focus on tasks. As a leader, it’s essential to recognize the effect that energy levels can have on yourself and those around you.

It’s not uncommon to feel drained and unmotivated after spending time with people who have low energy levels. This is because energy levels can be contagious. When we’re surrounded by people who are lethargic or unenthusiastic, it’s easy to adopt the same energy and become less productive.

So how can you maintain high energy levels, even when those around you are feeling low? Here are some practical tips:

1. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can significantly impact energy levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

2. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can also impact energy levels. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration.

3. Eat well: The food we eat has a significant impact on our energy levels. Be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

4. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help prevent burnout and boost energy levels. Take a walk, do some stretching exercises, or simply step away from your desk for a few minutes.

5. Exercise: Regular exercise can help boost energy levels and improve overall physical and mental health. Even a short walk or quick workout can help energize you for the day ahead.

By taking control of your own energy levels, you can become a positive influence on those around you. Even if others are feeling low, your high energy levels can help boost productivity and motivation. Remember, their energy is not your energy. You have the power to maintain your own positive energy, regardless of the energy levels of those around you.

Their Emotion is Not Your Emotion

Emotions are a powerful force in our lives. They can inspire us to great heights, or they can drag us down into a negative spiral. As a leader, it’s essential to recognize the impact that emotions can have on yourself and those around you.

Emotions can be contagious. When we’re surrounded by people who are feeling negative or stressed, it’s easy to adopt the same emotional state and become less productive. This is why it’s important to not allow others’ negative emotions to impact your own.

So how can you manage your own emotions in a positive manner, even when those around you are feeling negative? Here are some practical tips:

1. Practice empathy: It’s important to recognize and understand the emotions of those around you. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to adopt their emotional state. By practicing empathy, you can acknowledge others’ emotions without allowing them to impact your own.

2. Maintain emotional boundaries: Set boundaries around your own emotional state. Don’t allow others to dictate how you feel. Remember that you are in control of your own emotional state.

3. Take a step back: If you find yourself becoming caught up in others’ emotions, take a step back and remove yourself from the situation. This can help you regain perspective and maintain your own emotional equilibrium.

4. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your own emotional state, and better able to recognize when you’re being influenced by others. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath and become aware of your thoughts and emotions.

5. Practice positive self-talk: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your own emotional state. For example, if you’re feeling stressed, tell yourself “I am calm and in control” or “I am capable of handling this situation.”

By taking control of your own emotional state, you can become a positive influence on those around you. Even if others are feeling negative, your positive emotional state can help boost productivity and create a more positive work environment. Remember, their emotions are not your emotions. You have the power to maintain your own positive emotional state, regardless of the emotional state of those around you.

Their Attitude is Not Your Attitude

Attitude refers to the way we approach and respond to the world around us. It can have a significant impact on our behavior, relationships, and overall well-being. As a leader, it’s essential to recognize the impact that attitudes can have on yourself and those around you.

Attitudes can be contagious. When we’re surrounded by people with negative attitudes, it’s easy to adopt the same attitude and become less motivated or enthusiastic. This is why it’s important to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of external factors that may try to bring you down.

So how can you maintain a positive attitude, even when those around you are feeling negative? Here are some practical tips:

1. Focus on the positive: Try to see the good in every situation, even when it may be difficult. Look for opportunities to learn and grow, and find ways to appreciate the people and circumstances around you.

2. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards the positive aspects of your life.

3. Surround yourself with positive influences: Seek out colleagues and friends who have a positive outlook on life, and try to spend more time with them. This can help reinforce your own positive attitude and provide a buffer against the negativity of others.

4. Practice positive self-talk: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your own positive attitude. For example, if you’re feeling discouraged, tell yourself “I am capable and competent” or “I am making progress towards my goals.”

5. Stay focused on your goals: Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, and stay focused on your goals. When you have a clear sense of purpose and direction, it’s easier to maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges.

By maintaining a positive attitude, you can become a positive influence on those around you. Even if others are feeling negative, your positive attitude can help boost morale and create a more positive work environment. Remember, their attitude is not your attitude. You have the power to maintain your own positive attitude, regardless of the attitude of those around you.

Their Effort is Not Your Effort

Effort refers to the amount of energy and dedication we put into achieving our goals. It can have a significant impact on our outcomes and success. As a leader, it’s essential to recognize the impact that effort can have on yourself and those around you.

Comparing oneself to others’ efforts can be detrimental. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we should be doing more, or that we’re not doing enough compared to others. However, this can be demotivating and counterproductive.

So how can you focus on your own effort and progress, rather than comparing yourself to others? Here are some practical tips:

1. Set your own goals: Rather than comparing yourself to others, focus on setting your own goals and working towards them. When you have a clear sense of what you want to achieve, it’s easier to focus on your own effort and progress.

2. Celebrate your successes: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your own progress, rather than comparing yourself to others.

3. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than being overly critical. Remember that everyone has their own journey, and it’s important to focus on your own effort and progress, rather than comparing yourself to others.

4. Learn from others: While it’s important to focus on your own effort and progress, it’s also valuable to learn from others. Seek out mentors and colleagues who can offer guidance and advice, and be open to learning from their experiences.

5. Embrace the process: Recognize that success is a journey, and it’s important to embrace the process. Focus on making progress each day, rather than getting bogged down in comparisons to others.

By focusing on your own effort and progress, you can become a positive influence on those around you. Remember, their effort is not your effort. You have the power to set your own goals, work towards them, and acknowledge your own successes, regardless of the effort of those around you.

Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer

The difference between a thermometer and a thermostat mindset is significant. A thermometer simply reflects the temperature of the environment around it, reacting to external factors without any control over them. In contrast, a thermostat sets the temperature for the environment around it, taking control of its surroundings and creating the conditions it desires. As a leader, it’s essential to adopt a thermostat mindset, taking control of your environment and setting the tone for those around you.

The benefits of being a thermostat are numerous. By taking control of your environment, you can create a more positive and productive work environment. This can lead to higher levels of motivation, engagement, and creativity. Additionally, by setting the tone for those around you, you can become a positive influence on those you lead.

So how can you adopt a thermostat mindset, and become a positive influence on those around you? Here are some practical tips:

1. Set clear expectations: Communicate your expectations clearly and consistently, and hold yourself and others accountable to those expectations.

2. Maintain a positive attitude: Focus on the positive, even in challenging situations. By maintaining a positive attitude, you can become a positive influence on those around you.

3. Foster a culture of collaboration: Encourage collaboration and teamwork, and provide opportunities for your team to work together towards common goals.

4. Encourage feedback: Create an environment where feedback is valued and encouraged, and use feedback to continually improve your own performance and the performance of your team.

5. Lead by example: Set the tone for those around you by modeling the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in others. Lead by example, and others will follow.

By adopting a thermostat mindset, you can become a positive influence on those around you, creating a more positive and productive work environment. Remember, you have the power to set the tone for those around you. Be a thermostat, not a thermometer.

Don’t Use Others’ Negative Actions to Justify Your Own

It’s easy to fall into the trap of using others’ negative actions to justify our own. For example, if a colleague is consistently late for meetings, it may be tempting to follow suit and show up late as well. However, this can be a harmful and counterproductive mindset.

Using others’ negative actions to justify our own can lead to a race to the bottom. Rather than holding ourselves to a high standard, we’re simply looking for excuses to lower our own standards. This can lead to a culture of mediocrity and a lack of accountability.

So how can we hold ourselves accountable and maintain our own standards, even when faced with negative actions from others? Here are some practical tips:

1. Define your own standards: Take time to define your own values and standards, and hold yourself accountable to those standards. This can help you stay focused on your own goals, rather than being swayed by the negative actions of others.

2. Focus on your own growth: Rather than being distracted by the negative actions of others, focus on your own growth and development. Set goals for yourself, and work towards achieving them.

3. Be a positive influence: Lead by example, and become a positive influence on those around you. Rather than using others’ negative actions to justify your own, model the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in others.

4. Hold yourself accountable: Take responsibility for your own actions, and hold yourself accountable to your own standards. When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and work to make things right.

5. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining your own standards. Make a commitment to yourself to consistently hold yourself to a high standard, regardless of the actions of those around you.

By holding ourselves accountable and maintaining our own standards, we can become a positive influence on those around us. Remember, don’t use others’ negative actions to justify your own. Hold yourself to a high standard, and be a positive influence on those around you.

You Control You. Act Like It.

Throughout this article, we’ve discussed the importance of taking control of our own thoughts, emotions, and actions. By maintaining a positive attitude, focusing on our own effort and progress, and being a thermostat rather than a thermometer, we can become a positive influence on those around us. Additionally, we’ve discussed the importance of not allowing others’ moods, energy, emotions, and attitudes to impact our own, and of not using others’ negative actions to justify our own.

At the end of the day, the message is clear: you control you. You have the power to choose your own attitude, to focus on your own goals, and to hold yourself accountable to your own standards. Rather than being swayed by external factors, you can take control of your own life and become the best version of yourself.

It’s not always easy to take control of our own thoughts, emotions, and actions. We’re often influenced by those around us, and it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on our own goals. However, by following the practical tips outlined in this article, and by making a commitment to yourself to take control of your own life, you can become a positive influence on those around you and achieve your own goals.

So, as a final encouragement, remember that you control you. Act like it. Take control of your own thoughts, emotions, and actions, and become the best version of yourself. By doing so, you can make a positive impact on those around you, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

Becoming the Best Version of Yourself in Leadership

In conclusion, taking control of our own thoughts, emotions, and actions is essential for becoming a successful leader. By being aware of the impact that others can have on our own emotional and mental states, we can make conscious decisions to maintain positivity, focus on our own goals, and hold ourselves to high standards.

We’ve discussed the importance of recognizing that their mood is not our mood, their energy is not our energy, their emotion is not our emotion, their attitude is not our attitude, and their effort is not our effort. By understanding that we have control over our own thoughts and actions, we can take control of our lives and become the best versions of ourselves.

It’s important to remember that we are not immune to the influence of those around us, and it takes conscious effort to maintain a positive mindset and avoid being influenced by negativity. However, by following the practical tips outlined in this article, we can become a positive influence on those around us and create a more positive and productive work environment.

As a final thought, always remember that you control you. You have the power to choose your own attitude, to focus on your own goals, and to hold yourself accountable to your own standards. By doing so, you can become a successful leader, achieve your own goals, and inspire others to do the same.