4 Things You Can Do to Stay Positive In Trying Times Don't be so distracted by the disharmony in our country and the world that you overlook your many opportunities to be of service.
By Matt Mayberry Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Everyone will agree that the current presidential campaign is turning out to be one of colossal angst, controversy and mudslinging. Friends, families and businesses are fighting with one another over which candidate is best.
The thing is, if we keep our minds on the controversies, disharmonies, and fighting, we stand a very good chance at losing hold in our businesses and in life. And we can't let that happen.
What we can do is be of service to others. As Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Take a look at yourself. You can strive to make a difference in your customers' lives, in your friends' and families' lives and in your own business and world. A good way to counteract all the disharmony that's taking place in our country and the world right now is to focus on the service we provide to others. Whether it's through our business or through our relationships, we can give more, listen more, and understand more. We can glean much understanding of others by giving of our time to those in need. It was Mother Teresa who said, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
This may sound so cliché and simple, but it's a truth. So, in this time of political angst, here are some things you can do to stay more balanced in your business and life.
1. Teach humanitarian service and love.
Volunteers of all ages build houses for the homeless. They traipse to other countries to build homes and provide aid to those in need. Not only that, but they collect shoes for the homeless, they pick vegetables and fruit on farmers' fields for the homeless. They donate leftover food to the homeless from restaurants and social events. They ring kettle bells for those less fortunate. They read stories to children and play games and do arts and crafts with the elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. There are a million kind acts that people do for others. When you offer yourself to be of service to others in some small way, the love will come back to you a thousand-fold, and this will benefit your business and life.
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2. Giving and mentoring: A gift that lasts a lifetime.
I know a friend who tutors and mentors at-risk youth to help prepare them for exams. His students come from all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. He has told stories about how he helped gang members get out of their gangs and focus on their studies so they could earn good grades and attend college.
Other people I know serve as volunteer lifestyle coaches in halfway houses to help people who have been to drug and alcohol rehab. Those recovering people need ongoing help and support, and the volunteers serve as a guide to those in need. Many times these lifestyle coaches will save lives because of their gifts of service. This kind of "gift" and service is everlasting.
You can even give your time to your nieces and nephews. This is more valuable than any gift you could ever purchase for them.
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Giving of yourself to others in any way will help you learn more about people and in turn, this will help you achieve more in your business.
3. Join a group like Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a wonderful organization that allows you to be of service to others by volunteering your time to guide and mentor a child so he or she can fulfill their life's potential. It gives you the opportunity to help shape that child's future by playing sports together, reading books together, or simply going out for pizza. Some children need a big brother or big sister because they have no one else.
4. Teach by example and be a role model.
One of the best ways to serve others is to teach by example and to be the best role model you can be. Again, this sounds so simple, but it's not. The way you carry yourself, your actions, your conversations, your thoughts, your demeanor -- all write the story of who you are. People respond to that. If you're negative or angry all the time, that's how people will perceive you. And there will be some who will copy you because they think if you can get away with it, so can they.
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You can start slowly. Maybe even just block out one or two hours a week to give some time of service to an organization or someone. You can come up with your own creative way of volunteering. It can be at a church, a hospital, a school, a nursing home, a pet shelter or your local gym.
It's very important to display your best at all times. Be your best. Teach your best. There's always someone out there who needs guidance or mentoring. When you are kind to others and offer your service, it acts like a boomerang. The kindness will bounce back to you.
Stephen Covey said, "Seek to understand before being understood." In these times of political turmoil, it's important to stay balanced in your business and life more than ever before. We desperately need more understanding. Stop and look inward through meditation, silence, and prayer to better understand your own self.
To stay balanced and productive in your business and life, which includes a sense of empowerment and unity as a country and people, it starts with you and with love in the home and service outside.
