No Complaining

CH A LLENGE KIT
Want to make this week
more powerful, productive
and positive?
Try a week long NO COMPLAINING CHALLENGE!

Instead of complaining about what you don’t have,

appreciate what you do have. Instead of complaining
about other people, think about something good about
them. Instead of complaining about problems, look for
solutions. Focus on the positive and help overcome
negativity.

This kit will show you how.

The No Complaining Rule

by Jon Gordon
No Complaining Wristbands
Available where books are sold.
A wearable No Complaining
Visit www.jongordon.com/nocomplaining for
Rule reminder! Available at additional information, free downloads, resources
www.jongordon.com/wristbands and to sign up for Jon Gordon’s free Positive Tip
newsletter.

Jon Gordon, bestselling author
and speaker. Learn more and
access Tools for Success at
www.jongordon.com
The No Complaining Rule
One of the biggest threats to building a great team and organization is
complaining. When we complain we focus on everything else but being
our best. Complaining actually costs the economy billions of dollars in lost
productivity and it will sabotage the morale, engagement and culture of your
team if you let it.
Believe me; I know a lot about complaining. I was formerly a professional
complainer and found that it not only sabotages your own happiness and
success but the success of your team and family. I realized that we complain
for two main reasons.
1. We feel powerless.
2. It’s a habit.
I decided to break the habit and when I stopped complaining I started to
create the life that I wanted.
Let’s face it, if you are complaining, you’re not leading.
This No Complaining Kit will provide you with a few resources to help you
break out of a “complaining” rut.
You are not powerless. You have the power to choose your beliefs and
actions. If you focus on the positive instead of the negative you’ll find the
faith, strength and confidence to take on life’s challenges and identify the
solutions to your complaints.
5 Things to do
Instead of Complain
1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable
boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and
thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on
gratitude, you can’t be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know
you are grateful for them and their work.

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they
are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their
mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great
thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of.
Focus on your success, and you’ll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond
your control. You’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out.

5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress;
boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced
with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in
to the ultimate power, and recharge.
 Three No Complaining Tools

1
tool The But
technique
Positive
This simple strategy helps you turn your complaints into positive
thoughts, solutions, and actions. It works like this. When you realize
you are complaining, you simply add the word but and then add a
positive thought or positive action.

Example:

• I don’t like driving to work for an hour but I’m thankful I can drive
and that I have a job.

• I don’t like that I’m out of shape but I love feeling great so I’m going
to focus on exercising and eating right.
 Three No Complaining Tools

2
tool
Focus on get to
instead of have to
Too often we complain and focus on what we have to do. We say
things like “I have to go to work.” “I have to drive here.” “I have to do
this or that.” Instead, shift your perspective and realize it’s not about
having to do anything. You get to do things. You get to live this life. You
get to go to work while so many are unemployed. You get to drive in
traffic while so many don’t even have a car or are too sick to travel.

Focus on what you get to do.

Focus on feeling blessed instead of stressed.

Focus on gratitude.
 Three No Complaining Tools

3
tool
Turn complaints into
solutions
The goal is not to eliminate all complaining. The intent is to eliminate
the kind of mindless complaining that doesn’t serve a greater purpose
and allow complaining that is justified and worthwhile. The opposite
of mindless complaining is justified complaining. The former is
negative and the latter is positive. The different is intent. With mindless
complaining, you are mindlessly focusing on problems; however, with
justified complaining you identify a problem, and the complaint moves
you toward a solution.

Every complaint represents an opportunity to turn a negative into a

positive.
For more tips and strategies to turn complaints
into solutions and solutions into results, read
The No Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | iBooks | 800CEORead

About the Book

Negativity in the workplace costs businesses billions of dollars and impacts the morale,
productivity and health of individuals and teams. In The No Complaining Rule: Positive
Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work, Jon Gordon, a bestselling author, consultant and
speaker, shares an enlightening story that demonstrates how you can conquer negativity
and inspire others to adopt a positive attitude. Based on one company’s successful
No Complaining Rule, the powerful principles and actionable plan are practical and
easy-to-follow, making this book an ideal read for managers, team leaders and anyone
interested in generating positive energy.

Visit www.JonGordon.com To learn more about Jon Gordon, his speaking, workshops and additional books.
Wristbands
A wearable No Complaining Rule reminder!
Several styles to choose from. Available at www.jongordon.com/wristbands

Wear It and Share It

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Neutralize The Negativity

On Your Team
If complaining is a problem on your team, schedule a Positive Team workshop.
Email popt@jongordon.com or visit www.powerofapositiveteam.com to
learn more.