Today’s dot is written by Alex Jaroslawsky from Hilbert College’s Leadership Applications class:
In the world today, media is constantly reporting on topics that will sell or will spark arguments throughout society. Most news is peppered with shootings, police brutality, political scandals, celebrity gossip, and other feel bad stories.
In a refreshing change from the negativity, MSN has a news section of their website titled “good news.” This gives readers a chance to hear about positive events and maybe even unite behind them rather that unite behind the hatred of a scandal or act of terror. One story I read was about an off duty nurse saving a stranger’s life after seeing him collapse; another story was about a McDonald’s worker who jumped out of the drive-thru window to save a police officer.
Too often we focus on things that go wrong in life: how the grass always seems greener for others, or how we wish things could be different. When things go wrong it is good to address the issue, but this should net be dwelled on. Complaining and worrying never benefits anyone. Rather than always focusing on the negatives when something goes wrong, it can be useful for a leader to remind the group of some of the good things that have been accomplished to help boost morale and stay on track instead of becoming derailed by an issue that will eventually pass.
Everyday something bad will happen. It may be minor and only affect a single person, or it may be a catastrophe that makes national news. Rather than let negative events bring us down, is beneficial to remind ourselves of some of the good things that are going on. How can you find ways to hear about the good news and build off of the positive events around you?