Focus on strengths

SWOT analysis is a great tool to understand more about ourselves as a whole and plan out a strategy that will be best for us. This does narrow down the categories for thought to 4. But, there are line items under each of the categories. It then requires a lot of discipline to connect the S to the O and overcome W while mitigating the Ts.

I firmly believe that the human mind works best if it can focus on fewer items. So, I suggest the undivided constant focus on S (STRENGTHs). If everyone is constantly thinking about what they can do best, they will identify the fitting opportunities as they come up. Then, as they start to pursue the opportunities, they can identify the threats and plan for them. Constant focus on strengths also puts the mind at a "can do" attitude all the time. It also fosters original thought that can spur innovation.

Start every day with undistracted accomplishments

This is perfect for early risers. For those of us that are not, we just need to make time every morning for individual tasks that require no involvement from others. This can be as small as responding to backlogged emails, working out, doing yoga, or meditation. With no dependency on others, these tasks are sure to succeed if we, as individuals have the determination to do them. This sets a positive tone at the start of the day. It will provide a sense of accomplishment, however, small.

Savor every accomplishment

We all accomplish some thing every day. It is just that we move past those without much emphasis. As a manager, we clear hurdles for our teams all the time... as small as getting the right resource to move a project along without noticeable delay. As a leader, we bring about changes in peoples behavior quite often... as small as making someone consistently follow a company/department/team procedure. We play a part in building relationships withing the company and between companies. Every act that is directed towards keeping the ship sailing smooth is worthy of taking note. We avert bigger problems some times through what appears to be a simple act which is part of our everyday work/responsibility. Most big problems stem from small issues, and every small positive act to avert that must be recognized. After every small accomplishment, we must take a brief moment to analyze what actions of ours lead up to that accomplishment and feel good about ourselves for doing that. This will help us fill our minds everyday with our strengths and capabilities to bring about a positive change. It will also serve as a mental knowledge base that we will consciously build everyday. Our mind will be able to draw from this knowledge base unconsciously whenever needed... thus paving the way for more and bigger accomplishments.

View everyone as positive people

Negative thoughts surface in us when we read more negative intent/outcomes in other's actions. If we tuned our mind to read every action of other's as driven by some positive motive, we will not get frustrated with thoughts that they are out to get us. At a very minimum, this will keep us happy and focused on doing our job well. This is very important to stop any cascaded repercussions as well. If our immediate feeling to one of other's actions is unhappiness, then, it would help us to analyze what positive reasons would they have done that for, and what positive outcomes that could provide for us. As soon we find some points for these questions (and we will, if we think), the same situation could make us happy. In the corporate world, everybody has a job to do and passionate professionals always try to do their best. This could be aggressive/abrasive at times, but, it would be best for us to not take any of it personal. If we are smart and passionate, then, our laurels will speak for us.

I cannot thank my mother-in-law enough for being my valued role model practicing this everyday.