“Most of the articles that I write for this monthly e-Zine have to do with personal character traits. I believe leadership is all about character and attitude. This includes things like temperament, personality, disposition, energy, stamina, strength, and most importantly, moral fiber. All of these areas require learning and discipline. The following seven negative character traits are listed to help you recognize them and avoid them.” (Taken from the Aug. 10th blog post)

4. Worry: Comes from fear and is fed by indecision. Worry is wasted mental energy forged in idleness. It causes health problems, social problems, economic problems, and family problems. Most of what we worry about never happens. CURE: Take action.

5. Over-caution: Timid approach to life and definitely not a leadership quality. Brought on by failing to take risks when an opportunity arises. CURE: Focus on the benefit of the opportunity, not on the risk.

6. Pessimism: Gloomiest possible view of a situation that develops into a false mental image that becomes insurmountable and overwhelming. CURE: Focus on the good in every person and situation. Tell yourself, “This is not a problem; I can do it!”

7. Complaining: Whining, crying, griping, and expressing dissatisfaction and resentment. People who engage in constant complaining are not interested in results and tend to pull themselves and others down emotionally and physically. CURE: Develop a cheerful, happy, positive outlook on life.

Sorry, but there is no immunization for these diseases. We all suffer from them at one time or another, and to some degree or another. Like any disease, the important thing is to recognize it in its early stage and apply the cure.

*In one of my personal journals dated November 1990, I found notes that I apparently had taken from a seminar I had attended, but did not write down the name of the instructor, so I cannot give credit. I Googled the title and found an article similar to my notes, but no author was credited. Although the title and general outline were authored by someone else, the comments are mostly mine.

Frank Massine

Most of the articles that I write have to do with personal character traits. I believe leadership is all about character and attitude. This includes things like temperament, personality, disposition, energy, stamina, strength, and most importantly, moral fiber. All of these areas require learning and discipline. The following seven negative character traits are listed to help you recognize them and avoid them.

1. Indifference: This is the mild approach to life. Apathy. Brought on by lack of direction. CURE: Get worked up about something! Hang around strong-minded people. Become focused on and committed to your major goal in life.

2. Indecision: This is mental paralysis brought on by vacillating hesitancy. Indecision is the greatest thief of opportunity, time, and happiness. CURE: Learn to make decisions knowing some of them are going to be wrong.

3. Doubt: Doubt is about a chronically negative mind. This is just plain being too skeptical. Self-doubt is the worst kind because it self-limits and robs you of conviction. CURE: Trust God, people, and programs.

Tune in tomorrow for the rest. Until then, have a great day!

Frank Massine