What happens when someone asks us to do something really tough? First, we try to get out of it. Right? Next, we complain that they’re asking the impossible. Then, we whine to our friends, “I’m having such a bad day” or “The world is unfair.” After we’ve exhausted every way to get out of the work . . . we take a break. (It’s exhausting.) When we return, we brainstorm excuses to cover our behind if things go south. And, when all else fails, and it usually does, we get down to work while talking to ourselves. How about getting it done.
Contrast this mindset to a champion’s approach . . .
I can hear the coach saying, “If they’re bigger, be faster” “If they’re better, play up.” “If you’re hurt, walk it off and then get back in the game.” There’s no whining, no excuses, and certainly no second-guessing. The players are positive, they’re optimistic, and they’re entirely focused on winning. These are the trademarks of winners. They’ll do whatever it takes to win. They know they have to “get it done.”
Think about a soldier on a dangerous mission, a doctor saving a life, or a firefighter trying to pull a child from a burning building. They don’t think “I can’t”; they don’t complain “why me”; and there’s certainly no time for excuses. They put their head down and get it done.
How do you handle tough requests? Do you waste important energy complaining? Do you squander precious time making excuses? Does your defeatist attitude drag you down and kill the morale of your colleagues? Or, do you think about all the things once considered impossible that are commonplace today? Success begins with a can-do attitude.
Think about what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. Next time you’re faced with the “impossible,” don’t defeat yourself before you start. It takes a positive attitude to get things done. Rather than thinking “The deadline is impossible,” “We don’t have the resources,” or “This has never been done before,” put all your energy into making it happen. The truth is, if you stop focusing on all the reasons why you can’t do it, you just may surprise yourself when you see what you can do. Get it done!
Do You Get It Done?
Additional Reading:
Is Your To-Do List Overwhelming You?
Why Do Busy People Get Stuff Done?
How to Add More Hours to Your Day
Distractions, Disruptions, and Other Time Wasters
Take Ownership By Taking Responsibility
Is Self-Reliance More Than a Buzzword?
How to Hold Yourself Accountable
If you like this article, subscribe to our blog so that you don’t miss a single post. Get future posts by RSS feed, email or Facebook. It’s FREE. Click your favorite option (top right).
Frank,
I loved YOUR post and I believe you summed it up in the words of ” It takes a positive attitude to get things done.”
All of us no matter who we are have to do things that we don’t like. It takes a positive attitude and a “go to” attitude that makes all that is difficult possible.
Thanks so much for sharing and for bringing to light that we can GET IT DONE. we just have to DO IT.
Lolly
You’re right Lolly. Attitude is important. As you say, “It makes the difficult possible.” It also makes a tough job bearable. It’s not enough to make it to the finish line. The journey is important too. Have an awesome day! Make it positive!
Frank
You’re right! If we know we’re going to end up doing it anyway, what’s the point in delaying and griping? Either dig in or opt out.
Hi Anita
Unfortunately, some folks are so good at getting out of work that their first instinct is to gripe. My parents didn’t accept excuses. What I didn’t know then was that they game me an important gift. My instinct is to, “get it done.”
Best,
Frank
Great post – also I think when you DO get things done, it’s good to celebrate the win, even in a minor way.This keeps momentum up and lets other see that results are being achieved.
Cheers,
Ben
Absolutely Ben. Great point. Have an awesome weekend!
Best,
Frank
That defeatist attitude you mentioned seems to be easier for some people to have rather than a positive attitude. And when you’re around it on a constant basis, it’s so easy to get sucked right into that mentality. This is a great article that I think (and HOPE!) a lot of people will benefit from it.
Sarah
You’re right, Sarah. Some people complain because they have nothing else to say. It’s exhausting. Be positive. See the good in the world. It can change your life.
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
In the military we say “gitterdone” I’ve carried that attitude into my civilian life… Thanks for the reminders…
That’s awesome, Greg. You learned a very important life lesson. We can all learn a lot from you.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank