I attended TEDx in Akron, Ohio, a few weeks ago with a dear friend. I love watching TED talks on YouTube. I try to see one every week or so, to give myself something new to think about. The Akron TEDx is an annual event highlighting local speakers who have made a meaningful contribution to the community in some way. The speeches are videotaped and made available to the public on YouTube.
Attending Akron TEDx in person put me inside the videos. One speaker in particular, Tony Troppe, an urban developer in Akron, brought a great idea. Attacking a problem with “can do” positive energy allows you to take on blight or problems to create something new.
Tony Troppe’s challenge is abandoned buildings. He tackles those challenges with a “can do” attitude. He brings a positive energy, making it almost impossible to ignore him or push him aside. He has a string of revitalized buildings in downtown Akron to demonstrate the success of his approach.
I have been turning this idea around in my head for a while. What a powerful thought! We are all seeking something: a new job, a promotion, career change, the right candidate to fill a role. The process of seeking is a problem, the search is the challenge. The energy we bring to the problem differentiates one person from another and can predict success.
Blighted, abandoned buildings are as large a challenge to Tony as your search is to you. By persevering with positive energy, you too can take on your challenge and find what you want.
That kind of energy is irresistible. Keeping the energy strong then becomes the real challenge.
Here are some tips to maintain positive energy to take on a big challenge:
- Keep your thoughts positive. Harder said than done, but well worth the effort. When you notice yourself sinking into melancholy, stop in your tracks and reverse course to a positive direction.
- Have a plan. If you have a plan, you can periodically refocus attention on something positive.
- Set goals and have intermediate milestones so you can see progress – another way to maintain or rebuild energy periodically.
- Keep moving towards the milestones, one step at a time.
- Refresh yourself with exercise, family, friends, and new ideas like TED talks.
Give yourself something positive to think about to refresh your energy. Positive energy will take you to your goal.