There are many ways to live life. Some people choose to be creators rather than complainers. The choice they make has consequences for both themselves and other people.
People who take the creative approach often have a positive attitude but are also realistic. Different people learn this in different ways.
Some learn from parents in the family. Sitting round the table, they hear their parents say things like:
“We have a good life … We can count our blessings … We don’t have a lot of money but we have each other … We can find solutions to problems … We want you to be happy.”
Some people learn it from significant individuals in their life. They may have a teacher, coach or another person who acts as a positive model. Such a person may provide encouragement and demonstrate creative ways of solving problems.
Some people learn from reading about inspiring individuals. They learn from the paths taken by people who are different. These may be inventors, athletes, entrepreneurs, singers, actors and others who do great work in their chosen field.
People who take the creative approach want to keep adding knowledge, models and tools to their repertoires. They also have a positive approach to challenges. They say things like:
“What is the challenge? What are the real results to achieve? What are the conventional ways to tackle the challenge? What do we know works? How can we follow these principles – plus add other skills – to tackle the challenge?
“Are there any other potential creative solutions? When faced by a conflict, for example, how can we do our best to find win-win solutions? What are the strategies we can follow to give ourselves the greatest chance of success?”
People who take the creative approach often find it generates positive energy. It is then more likely to help themselves and other people. Those who take the complaining approach are more likely to generate negative energy. This seldom helps themselves or other people.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to take the creative approach? How can you follow this in your own way? What may happen as a result of taking these steps?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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