Reset Challenge 2020: 20 Positive Actions in 20 Days
Just like your computer, phone, or TV needs to be powered down and restarted, so do leaders. At some point, every leader needs a reset. A mindset reset is an opportunity to begin a better pattern of thinking and leading, especially during such a complex time in our world. This is a 20-day challenge to help reset our thinking and leading in a positive direction. You may want to consider doing it as a team or even as a family. You will be amazed at what a short reset for 20 days can do to you and for you. As James Kouzes and Barry Posner said, “At the heart of effective leadership is a genuine caring for people.”
Sign up below to receive a pdf of the challenge!
Affirm someone today.
It’s pretty simple - people feel encouraged and revitalized when they are genuinely affirmed. So today, let someone know how you appreciate his or her talents, accomplishments, and contributions and how you or how others benefit from them.
Read and reflect upon the following quote.
“A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” (Proverbs 17:22). Today, consider your disposition and how you can reflect a positive spirit. The way we present ourselves to others sets the mood for the team culture.
Refuse to complain about anyone or anything today.
This is a big stretch, but give it a try! Any time you are about to complain or critique, stay silent or replace the negative comment with a positive word or action.
Thank someone today.
People appreciate it when we genuinely let them know we appreciate all that they do. It can be a general thank you for who they are and what they do or a thank you for a specific action or deed.
Ask someone about his/her professional goals today.
Ask and listen intently. People often have dreams and goals but do not know how to get there. By asking, you are not only learning more about them, you also can provide them with guidance, encouragement, and even opportunities.
Read and reflect upon the following quote.
"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." – Mother Teresa. As you meet with people today, how will they leave better? Happier?
Share a story of hope today.
Hope has been running a bit thin lately. The news can feel dark and heavy. But there are good things happening all around us. And these good things inspire us to do good as well. Recent examples include bystanders helping rescue flood victims and a group rallying to rebuild the home of an elderly woman.
Surprise your team with an anonymous gift today.
Nothing extreme, just something to bring some joy and encouragement to them today. A donut on the desk. A super-sized candy bar. A coupon for a free sandwich. It will be fun to watch their reactions!
Ask someone a question about their plans for the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays.
What will they be doing? How is COVID-19 affecting their normal traditions? What are they looking forward to most? The question stimulates conversation and conversation nurtures relationship.
Acknowledge and celebrate “a win” of someone or even your whole team.
A completed project. Passing an exam or certification. Delivering a successful webinar. Reaching a new milestone. Celebrating accomplishments together contributes to team health!
Read and reflect on the following quote.
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Martin Luther King, Jr. What small things can you do today that can encourage or help others in a big way? Be thoughtful and be practical.
Ask someone for help.
Say what?! You may wonder how this fits into the reset challenge. When we ask for help, we invite others to be a part of our lives and to use their talents. And it reflects our humanness by showing that we are humble enough to ask.
Refuse to complain about anyone or anything today.
Yes, this one is in the Reset Challenge 2020 twice because we all need a lot of practice at it! So once again, any time you are about to complain or critique, stay silent or replace the negative comment with a positive word or action.
Pray for someone today.
Prayer reminds us that there is a God who is much greater than us, and it lets someone know you care about them. Janice Hughes said it well, “Rich is the person who has a praying friend.”
Ask someone a personal question today.
By personal, we mean not work related. So be sure to be appropriate in what you ask, and not invasive! For example, if you already know that this person or a family member is struggling with a health issue, check in on how they are doing. If they have a child in college, ask how their child is doing.
Thank someone today for the specific things they bring to your team.
This can be in person, by email, or even by a note. When we take the time to say “thank you,” it lets someone know we are paying attention to them and their work.
Surprise someone by doing something special for them today.
Bring in a coffee or smoothie for them. Treat them to lunch. Write them a note or appreciative email. Even the smallest surprise can lift someone’s spirit.
Read and reflect upon the following quote.
“Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Bring some humor today!
Laughter is healthy for the mind and the spirit. It can be a funny story you heard, something you experienced, or something you saw on video. And make sure it is not offensive to others!
Care for someone today.
All around us are people who are facing challenges. Financial tension. Health issues. Struggling children. The more you know those around you, the more you will know how to care for them and about them including offering a meal, giving a relevant book, or networking them to others.