Being a professional - Being positive

1 Corinthians 16:13-14  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

"Why try to fit in when you're a stand out." - Joe Budden

My mother always told me that God does not like ugly. Somewhere in the Bible, it states that God knows us through our spirit. He knows who we really are. In his eyes, we are transparent. Thus regardless of our socioeconomic status, clothing, degrees, social status, etc., we cannot disguise ourselves from our Creator. 

That is refreshing to know. However, some people possess ugly attitudes, personalities, and traits. They think negatively, thus they act negatively towards others. This is evident in the work place. There is something about the work place that breeds envy, jealousy, negativity, and pessimism. 

That negativity is shared through human interaction. As company representatives interact with consumers, interactions get ugly. This fact is on display during the busy holiday season as shoppers show their frustration in the process of attempting to save money on various products. 

During this holiday season, it is understandable that workers are emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. Mandatory overtime hours combined with a lack of work-life balance leads to frustration. That frustration boils out in interactions with coworkers, consumers, and relatives. 

However, as we strive towards excellence. The onus is our responsibility to live like no one else. Living like no one else requires responding positively no matter how negative someone is. It requires responding not reacting.


When someone reacts, he or she risks emotional control. Emotional stability is a necessary component of striving for excellence. Emotional stability is a trait of being steadfast in expressing your emotions. An emotionally unstable person reacts to adverse conditions. Road rage is an example of emotional instability. In the work place, your current employment, potential promotions, and professional references depend on your emotions. Your emotions reflect your attitude.

What kind of person are you? Are you moody? Sometimes, I am. Are you constantly energetic and happy? Your attitude is how people view you. It leaves a lasting impression of your character. I would argue that your attitude is more valuable than anything you own, your skills, or your appearance. 

A person with a positive attitude attracts favor. Knowing your temperament, pet peeves, and habits is intrapersonal awareness. By knowing yourself well, you know when you're irritated, what irks your nerves, and when you are feeling down. 

This topic must be examined among the Black community. Because we are viewed differently according to our disposition. Black males are falsely viewed as angry and aggressive. Black females are falsely viewed as controlling and difficult. These stereotypes create a barrier for people of color in the work place. 

To overcome this barrier and other prejudices, be as positive as you can be in all interactions at work and outside of work. Make people view you as a good person. If you are having a bad day, take a break and go outside. Walk around the parking lot or building. Bring photos of your loved ones to work. Read an uplifting scripture or book. Take deep breathes to ease tension. Pray. Call a loved one that you haven't talked to in awhile. To summarize, do something positive and constructive to maintain your composure, cool, and positive attitude. Lastly, fake it 'till you make it. If you aren't in the mood for your peers or consumers, pretend you are a low-paid actor. And act.