no complaining allowed!

We all know a person in our lives that cannot stop talking about their problems, challenges, injuries, health concerns, relationship troubles, and much more.  They come in and immediately put the focus on them and their tale of woe. 

Be honest…do you like being around these people?  I’m sure some of them are good friends and you want to help them out.  You want to be a good person and listen to them, be a shoulder to cry on, and possibly even offer suggestions. 
Does that ever help?  More than likely, the answer is no!  In my experience, this gives them the green light to complain more, sulk more, and put all their troubles on your lap.

What if that person accepted 100% responsibility for the position they are in.  What if they accepted they are in a tough spot, whether it was their fault or not, and decided they are going to make the best of it with a great attitude.
Mike Smith was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2014.  In his book, “You Win in the Locker Room First”, he talks about installing a NO COMPLAINING POLICY.

Smith says people that complain are energy vampires and will drag a team down.  Be careful who you surround yourself with because they may influence your attitude in a bad way and make it difficult for you to achieve your goals. 
Nelson Mandela was arrested and put in prison for 27 years.  Did you ever hear him complain while serving his sentence or after he got out?  The answer is NO!  When asked what he was doing while serving out his sentence, he said he was preparing.  WOW!  What a philosophy! 

Perhaps your challenge involves talking to someone to come up with a solution.  Great!  Have that conversation that focuses on the solution and not bitching about the problem.  Trust me, people are much more willing to help a positive person that wants to come up with a solution instead of a person that wants you to hear that worn out, tired country song about everything that is going wrong in your life.

Complaining drains energy.  Solutions enhance energy and get people thinking creatively.  Focus on the positives and make great things happen!