One our teachers is known for telling her young learners, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit!”  🙂  It’s her humorous way of reminding learners not to waste precious time complaining; move forward, work with what you’re given, and make it excellent.  I remember my Granny B. saying, “When you complain, you focus on everything else but being your personal best…”

I read an interesting article recently that noted how much complaining costs our country in lost dollars, productivity, morale, engagement, and culture.  We all have things to complain about, but I propose we encourage one another to go on a complaining fast–not because it will make those around you happier (although it will), but because it will help you experience more JOY, peace, success, positive relationships, and better productivity; our staff is on this quest right now with their learners and their team.

In his book, The No Complaining Rule, author Jon Gordon offers five specific ways we can actively practice the No-Complaining Fast:
1.  Practice gratitude:  Research shows when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in JOY and in our immune system to uplift and energize us.  It’s also physiological impossible to be stressed (with negativity) and thankful (with JOY) at the same time!
2.  Praise others:  Focus on what others are doing right.  Praise them and watch success rates increase.  Mistakes help us learn and grow, but for every mistake you point out to someone, give three praises later.
3.  Focus on excellence and success will follow:  Start a success (or what I call my gratitude) journal.  Write down something great about each day; you’ll look forward to creating more success the next day.  Do this with your child each day–start a list on the fridge or a special memo board so the list grows.
4.  Let go:  A dear friend of mine always says, “Let go; let God.”  Focus on the things you have the power to change and surrender things beyond your control; you’ll be amazed when you stop trying to control everything!  This is a tough one for everyone, especially young learners.
5.  Breathe:  Spend time daily deep breathing, meditating, praying . . . all of these reduce stress, boost positive energy, and promote good health.  When you are faced with the urge to complain:  stop, be still, and plug-in to your ultimate Power to recharge.  Teach your child to practice this coping skill daily.

These tips should help you realize you are not powerless; you have the power to choose your beliefs, attitudes, and actions everyday.  I tell learners at the end of our Morning Message everyday:  You have a choice everyday; I hope you choose to make it your personal best today.  Focusing on the positive, instead of the negative complaining, will help you find the faith, strength, and confidence to take on challenges and identify solutions for any complaint…no complaining!  🙂