Can you imagine your workplaces, teams, homes/family time, schools, communities, etc. free of complaints? Could you go 21 consecutive days without complaining?
15-30 times per day.
How long does it take to become complaint free?
The average person who really gives this their best effort usually takes 4-10 months to go 21 consecutive days without complaining.
Isn't blowing off steam by complaining healthy?
Actually, studies have shown that complaining about one’s health, for example, actually tends to make a person’s health worse.
Complaining really isn't that bad, is it?
Negativity costs the U.S. economy between $250 and $300 billion every year in lost productivity, according to the Gallup Organization. And this is probably on the conservative side, since it doesn't take into account the ripple effect of complaining and negativity.
Ninety percent of doctor visits are stress related, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the #1 cause of office stress is coworkers and their complaining, according to truejobs.com.
A study found that negative employees can scare off every customer they speak with - for good (How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath).
How do I get other people to stop complaining?
Benjamin Franklin said, "The best sermon is a good example." As you begin to transform your life by not complaining, you will be an example of positive living and this will inspire all around you. Because you’re not participating in griping, others will be far less likely to gripe to you.
What are some good resources on how to stop complaining?
Two great books: The No Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon and A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen.
What should I do instead of complain?
Have an Attitude of Gratitude. Research shows that that when we count the good things (vs. the hassles) each day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. (I talked about the happiness/gratitude connection back in the December 2009 blog post.)
Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Try to give three times as much praise as criticism.
Let Go. Focus on things that you can change. Let go of the things that are beyond your control. You'll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, somehow it all still works out.
Be Solution Focused. Instead of complaining to everybody but the person involved or about everything that you can't do anything about, seek out the appropriate people so you can find ways/opportunities to best make the negative a positive. Offer ideas/solutions/fixes instead of just empty complaints.
How different would things be if in YOUR work and home environments if there were no complaining?
You get to answer this one... Let me know what happens when you successfully complete the 21 day challenge!
SHINE ON!
