THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: Petra Kolb
You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind. Joyce Meyer
That's right, we've shared moments, insights, and tips through 149 episodes, and it's been nothing short of an incredible journey with you all.
From our very first episode to today, we've grown together, evolved, and continued to push the boundaries of what it means to be a creative in today's fast-paced world. Each episode has been a step on a path that we've paved with ambition, dedication, and, perhaps most importantly, a strong belief in what we can achieve.
In celebration of our 150th episode, I’m diving into the power of positive thinking and why it matters if you are to find success. Get ready to light up those neurons, spark that inner joy, and fuel your creative fire as we explore the strategies that will help you stay positive and productive, no matter what comes your way.
My motto is water off a duck's back. Meaning: don't let negativity weigh you down, perpetuate positive thinking. Jinkx Monsoon
This wasn’t going to be the theme of today's show at all. It was going to be an interview show with 6 Scottish film producers that I have worked with and that I think are awesome, and I had hoped to get a piece of productivity advice, just 2 minutes or so from each of them, but it didn’t go as I had hoped. I got the first reply quite quickly. They were busy and couldn’t do it. No problem, I thought, I have 5 more dice rolling. Some 7 weeks later I finally threw in the towel. In the end, I wasn’t able to lure one single Scottish producer onto the show. I decided to cut my losses and throw in the towel as it was simply too time-consuming and difficult to make the show that was in my head work.
Although I felt burned out by that time and I gave up on that angle I couldn’t let negative feelings about it affect my spirit. I always try to remind myself of the quote by Wendy Mass which I am sure you will recognise Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. I let the experience play out as water off a duck's back, as that was the stoic way to respond.
Choose not to be harmed, and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed, and you haven't been. Marcus Aurelius
I am sure that had my timing been better or life been easier all around this last year I would have been able to pull together the show I was hoping for. Combined with the fact that many people in production simply don’t like to be in the spotlight, I understand completely why what I had in mind never came to pass.
It's that negative experience that led me to the idea that I should do an episode, especially as we are about to embark on a new year, about staying positive when things are looking grim. Things are looking pretty grim in the world right now and life is pretty tough for most of us, but we cannot allow ourselves to be dragged into a state of negativity.
Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results. Willie Nelson
Positivity is more than just a feel-good word; it's a powerful tool for transformation. It's about seeing possibilities, embracing opportunities, and maintaining a hopeful outlook, especially in the face of challenges. But let me clear the air: positivity isn't about ignoring the negatives. It's about confronting them with a mindset that says, "I can handle this."
I’ve called this episode Unleashing Your Potential through the power of positive thinking, not because I have some airy-fairy idea about positive vibes but because going in the other direction can only lead to failure. You must conquer negativity if you are to conquer failure.
Positive thinking can be a significant catalyst for success in various ways and the first I want to discuss here is empowerment.
Taking responsibility is a cornerstone of empowerment. It's about owning our choices, our responses to challenges, and our paths forward so I accept the responsibility on that one. The truth is that my idea for a 150th-episode special wasn’t really a very good one. I was going to abandon the format I’ve found success with up to this point and drag some poor unsuspecting producers on to give us all some life advice when they neither listened to nor had any real interest in the show. They are working professionals with plenty of other things to worry about. It was an interesting idea but it was half-baked if truth be told, so I’m not at all surprised that it failed.
When we take responsibility for our failures, stop blaming external factors, and start looking inward, we unlock a level of control and self-awareness crucial for growth. For us freelancers, this means recognizing that our success isn't just about talent; it's also about the decisions we make every day, from how we manage our time to how we react to feedback.
Don't respond to negativity with more negativity. Just put your head down and prove your critics wrong. Frank Sinatra
Positive thinking also helps you approach problems more constructively. It enables you to focus on solutions rather than being overwhelmed by the hurdles. This problem-solving attitude is crucial for overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions.
Positive thinking also grows our ability to bounce back from setbacks. When you're optimistic, you're more likely to view failures as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than insurmountable obstacles. If harnessed, it can give you tremendous drive!
In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. Lee Lacocca
Positive thinking also contributes to better health and lower stress levels, which can improve your overall well-being. This improved health means you can put more energy and focus into your goals, leading to greater productivity and success. That is the name of this show don’t you know. I certainly feel my stress levels rise as I plunge into states of negative thinking or worry over what might happen if things go badly for me. When you think positively, you're less likely to be clouded by unnecessary worries and fear. In turn, this clarity allows for better decision-making, as you can evaluate options based on their merits rather than out of fear or pessimism.
Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Dalai Lama
A positive attitude is also attractive to others, making it easier to build networks and relationships that can open doors to new possibilities and collaborations.
I am always trying to push positivity out into the world. I certainly find it difficult sometimes but I try whenever I can to do so.
Positive thinking leads to higher levels of motivation and energy. When you believe in your ability to succeed, you're more likely to take initiative and put in the effort required to achieve your goals.
One of my favorite quotes about all this is by Wayne Dyer. He said “With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”
A positive mindset helps build self-confidence and when you're optimistic about your capabilities and your future, you're more likely to take on challenges and pursue your ambitions with conviction. And remember that success breeds more success. Positive thinking will invariably lead you to positive outcomes, which further reinforce an optimistic outlook. This creates a cycle where positivity fuels success, and success enhances positivity.
It isn't just about expecting the best to happen. It's about adopting a mindset that allows you to leverage your skills and resources effectively, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities.
For many, negative thinking is a habit which, over time, becomes an addiction. Peter McWilliams
Now I recognize that escaping a negative mindset is a tough thing to do, and requires a consistent effort to make it happen.
I’d suggest reframing the problem in your mind. Positive thinking is not really about thinking more positively, it’s really about thinking and acting less negatively.
Think of your mind like a garden. In this garden, negative thoughts are like weeds that can overtake the space if left unattended. It's not enough to simply plant new flowers (positive thoughts) amidst these weeds; the real task lies in managing and reducing the weeds to make room for the flowers to flourish.
Firstly, it's important to become aware of these weeds. Recognize when negative thoughts crop up and look for potential patterns. This is the sort of thing that may very well be worth writing down by the way. Approach this observation without self-judgment, just as a gardener would calmly note the presence of weeds. Acknowledging them is the first step in effective garden management.
If you are not sure where to go next with this, then let me extend the garden analogy. Begin the process of weeding by introducing positive affirmations. This is like planting flowers in spaces cleared of weeds. Phrases like “I am capable of growth” or “I find strength in challenges” serve to nurture your mental garden. The goal here isn't to pretend the weeds never existed, but rather to cultivate a healthier and more balanced environment. If you are taking on a Best Year Yet strategy, these positive affirmations will come from the exercise of building your year-long strategic plan.
Another thing worth trying is the practice of gratitude. Over time, you'll notice your garden becoming a more harmonious and pleasant place, reflecting a mindset that values growth and resilience. This approach fosters a mental landscape where positivity can bloom alongside the inevitable challenges, like a well-tended garden thriving through the seasons.
As I wrap up today's enlightening journey through the realms of positivity and success, it's clear that these two are not just close companions; they are inextricably intertwined, dancing a graceful waltz toward fulfillment and achievement. A positive mental attitude is the spark that ignites the fire of success, fuelling our ambitions with optimism and resilience.
It lights the path in the darkest of times, turning obstacles into stepping stones, and imbuing every challenge with the promise of growth. Remember, our success is often shaped not just by what we do, but by how we think about what we do.
Your call to action today is this. To not talk or think negatively for 1 hour. If you think you are doing so, stop, and reframe your mind back onto the positives before continuing.
There is a basic law that like attracts like. Negative thinking attracts negative results. Conversely, if a person habitually thinks optimistically and hopefully, his positive thinking sets in motion creative forces - and success instead of eluding him flows toward him. Norman Vincent Peale
Let me take a moment to ask you to subscribe to the show on your preferred app. I typically release episodes in blocks of three months on, and three months off, so subscribing ensures you won't miss any episodes. Also, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Reviews on Apple Podcasts are particularly influential, but ratings on Spotify also significantly impact the algorithms that promote and suggest content to other listeners. Thanks for listening and on with the show!
As you move into the coming year, keep that positive flame burning and let it guide you to the heights of your own unique success story.
Thank you for tuning in, thank you for your messages, your reviews, and your stories. Here's to 150 more episodes where we continue to learn, grow, and create together.
Epictetus said that the key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. So get rid of the negative people in your world. Cut them off and surround yourself with positive people. If you do this, then everything that I have talked about today will become easier.
And I'll leave the final word to Bobby Darnell who said Negativity is cannibalistic. The more you feed it, the bigger and stronger it grows.
Now take control of your own destiny, keep on shootin’, and join me next time on FILM PRO PRODUCTIVITY AND SUCCESS!
The music you can hear right now is Adventures by A Himitsu and the executive producer is Kris Sommerville of Frontline Kit UK. Uniform hire for TV and film.
You can view the show notes for this episode on the official website filmproproductivity.com
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EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Kris Sommerville of Frontline Kit UK. Uniform hire for TV and film.
Frontline Kit UK Premier police kit and uniform clothing provider.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: Petra Kolb
References:
None.
Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
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