Dispelling Discouragement by Klemmer

Leaders are vigilant about not letting discouragement into people's lives

There's an old story about the devil having a "Going Out of Business" sale. Now, I think you'll agree that's a pretty amazing prospect.

He had this huge room filled with everything he ever owned or used to do his work and the prices were displayed openly on every item.

In the very center of the room was a small podium and the tiniest item in the room was there on top. The price on the tag was by far the highest, most expensive in the whole room.

Someone asked the devil, "What is that on the podium that is so small and yet is the most expensive item you have?"

The devil said it was "discouragement" and it was the most expensive because with that he didn't need anything else to do his work.

Think about that. Be vigilant about not letting discouragement into your life anywhere: not for your business, not for your health, not for the state of your relationships, etc.

Sometimes we think we have to listen to other people's negativity to be a nice person.

DON'T LISTEN! And don't allow them to pollute your mind and your coworkers or family's mind either. It brings discouragement.

Leaders control the conversation and will end a discussion or change the topic if necessary. Leaders will stop someone from complaining if the person is complaining to someone else who cannot do anything about it.

Leaders will be proactive at dispelling discouragement in other people's lives, especially family, partners, or team at work. Leaders will seek out someone who is discouraged and give them encouragement or assist them in focusing on what is working, what's right.

What can you do today to dispel discouragement in someone else's life?

Make a list of three people you will say or do something for this week to dispel discouragement out of their life. Commit to doing that.

TAKEAWAY! Leaders dispel discouragement. Leaders control the conversation and keep it positive and constructive.

Action Step #1

Find a couple people who are discouraged and make a massive infusion of encouragement into their life. Let them know about a similar experience or setback you've had or about someone you know who has and what positive changes came out of it.

Simply share your enthusiasm and shift their focus to what works and the possibilities.

Write a simple postcard to 10 people telling them the one thing you admire most about them and that you believe that quality will be the reason for their success. As Winston Churchill said, "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

An Example 

About two years ago I got an email that asked, "Are you the Brian Klemmer that served in the 25th Infantry division as an officer in the 1/21st Battalion in the early 70's?" I replied, "Yes I am." He said, "You probably don't remember me, my name is (withheld for confidentiality), but if you do remember, it's because you busted me for drugs. You made me get my GED (high school equivalency diploma) and I fought you kicking and screaming. I'm writing to let you know how appreciative I am. I am sitting here in a good job and my whole life is different because you cared about me more than I cared about myself." I have to tell you that didn't just make my day. It made my year! I think about that letter every time I do a seminar and someone is being resistant or negative.

Action Step #2

Now, interview a very successful person in any field. Ask what was their biggest setback and what one or two things did they do that helped them overcome it. That will dispel your discouragement.

An Example  Who is this famous "failure"? He failed as a businessman (storekeeper). He failed as a farmer (he despised this work). His sweetheart died. He had a nervous breakdown. He failed in his first attempt to obtain political office.

He was elected to the legislature, but he failed when he sought the office of speaker. He failed in his first attempt to go to Congress. He failed when he sought the appointment to the United States Land Office. He failed when he ran for the United States Senate. He failed when friends sought for him the nomination for the Vice-Presidency.

And, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States of America.

"No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important."–Mary Kay Ash