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So You Think You Got It Bad?!

Pam Thomas's picture
Posted by Pam Thomas on January 3, 2008 5:30 AM PST
Tags: Personal Integrity
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I have to admit I really struggled with what to write about. I know that may sound silly considering that this is the start of the New Year and there is a plethora of intention, resolution, and “making this year your best year ever” topics I could have chosen. Somehow writing about how to make 2008 the best year felt a tad “been there, done that”. (Please know I mean no offense to anyone who has written about making this the best year ever. Kudos to you and thank you!)

So to help with my massively self-imposed writers block, I shared my topical conundrum with my sister. Being the smart, creative cookie that she is she suggested that I write about YES! What a brilliant idea!(Thanks, Wen) Anyone who knows me, knows that I am BIG into so I can’t think of a better way to start 2008 then to share a bit about this amazing movement.

In an effort to promote prosperity and create an attitude of gratitude, Rev Will Bowen challenged his congregation to go complaint-free for 21 days. (Yep, attitude does make a HUGE difference!) To support them in the challenge he gave each one of his members a purple bracelet to be used as a reminder of their commitment to think positively. Here’s the kicker; if at anytime the wearer of the bracelet caught themselves complaining aloud they would have to move the bracelet from one wrist to the other.

What an amazing way to create awareness and to help change a mindset!!

So here is my challenge to you for the start of this New Year; eradicate complaints from your conversation with others for the next 21 days. See what happens – I will be willing to bet you dollars to donuts that you will begin to notice a positive change.

Here is to amazing, complaint-free, positive thinking 2008.

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Hi Pam,

I like it: A Complaint-Free World! NBA coach Phil Jackson, in his book, Sacred Hoops, says that "it's more important to be aware than it is to be smart." Creating awareness, as you point out, is a great way to help change a mindset.

This said, I suggest that people need to go beneath the surface of their complaining if authentic growth--not just "change" per se--is going to take place. As I underscore in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, you can change without growing but you can't grow without changing. So here is another challenge to the PeopleJam community: from now on, ask yourself why you complain and, perhaps more important, what's the "payoff" from your complaining?

Remember also that the great complaint carnival is not a celebration; it's a bandwagon of misery. Our complaints trivialize our experience--both in our personal lives and at work. When we complain, we disconnect. When we complain, we hold whatever or whoever we're complaining about as a shield between us.

For one, I'm willing to sound a tad like "been there, done that," and wish everyone the BEST YEAR EVER in 2008!

Meaningfully,
Alex

Dr. Alex Pattakos's picture
Posted by Dr. Alex Pattakos on January 3, 2008 9:54 AM PST

Remember that Saturday Night Live Skit?

Sometime people around me are like that.. and sadly, sometimes I can get into the Debbie Downer Funk.

I love this idea, especially the bracelet as a reminder. I've been reading The Power of Now and if we are truly present, there really is nothing to complain about.

Count me IN! I'm always up for a challenge.. oh, and Happy New Year to ya!

beth |community coordinator | life coach |seeker of knowledge|

beth's picture
Posted by beth on January 3, 2008 11:23 AM PST