Talk like a Pirate at Work

Normally I wouldn’t advise anyone to talk like a pirate at work, and I still don’t if it involves grunting and throwing things. However, there is one particular pirate I don’t lead to the plank, and not just because yesterday was Talk like a Pirate Day.

Though at times he may be fowl-mouthed and even threatening, Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean said one worthwhile quote. Jack explained “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.”

This is a good reminder I find valuable to recite day to day at work and at home. Life is a challenge and it can be easy to feel that obstacles are waiting at every turn, but realistically it’s all about how one chooses to view a situation. Research shows that on average, 80% of our daily thoughts are negative. Although decreasing that percentage takes active effort, not doing it surmounts to very little. In fact, gaining and sustaining a positive attitude is a key aspect of performance and happiness.

How to Keep a Positive Attitude:

1.      Refuse to give in to negativity.  Part of character building is consistency in warding off negative energy in your environment and not allowing the “wet blankets” to suck the energy out of you, a topic I cover in length at one of my workshops.

2.      With each exhaled breath, release your cares and worries leaving only positive thoughts.

3.      It seems silly to sit around and force a smile across your face when you don’t feel very happy, but smiling actually does improve your mood.

4.      Exercise regularly, it releases endorphins and makes it easier to think happy thoughts.

5.      Clear your mind through meditation to make room for a positive attitude. 

6.      Encourage and empower others .  One of the pillars of leadership, empathy, lifts your own spirits as well.

7.      Many articles such as The Benefits of Volunteering by Kent State explain that individuals who volunteer in their community and help others are shown to be happier people. Whether called organization citizenship behavior or altruism, helping others is a mood enhancer.

8.      Remember the hardest times in your life, and your career and remind yourself about how you created happiness again. Reframe to persevere.

9.      The most important conversations that affect your life are the ones you have with yourself: self-motivate.

10.  Don’t just listen to positive people and uplifting music, but also absorb what you hear. Listening to positive words is the first step, even if you have trouble accepting their message. The key is to make an effort to let the good thoughts soak in, even if it is just a little at the time.