Complaining, Comparing, Criticizing

I’m reading Think Like a Monk, by Jay Shetty, leading podcaster and trained monk. Monks are not permitted to complain, compare, or criticize. There are consequences for doing so. If they complain about a situation, they must write 10 positive things about that situation. If they compare themselves negatively to someone else, they must write 10 positive things about themselves. And, you get it, if they criticize someone, they must write 10 positive things about that person. Pay attention to how often you do one or more of these things – the weather, your appearance or skills, someone else’s opinion or beliefs. Try this to begin to minimize these habits:

1.       Find an accountability partner either at work or home. Ask them to help you notice when you do one of the above, then start with trying to verbalize at least a few positive comments.

2.       Roll out this concept to your team. Hold them accountable to positively change the mood or morale of the group.  

Venting only helps us if we then move to action. Staying in the place of negativity impacts our ability to think creatively, build relationships and learn. Start today to “think like a monk”!