The Power of Positivity

Growing up with my big brother was like having a superhero by my side. With just 18 months between us, we were inseparable and did everything together. We were on the same sports teams, same high school, same college, dated the same girls…From an early age, he was clearly the larger-than-life figure in our dynamic. He had that tough-guy exterior, towering over me both in size and strength, but what truly set him apart and made him even larger than life was his unwavering attitude and commitment. And that attitude and commitment created his amazing success.

In his youth, that commitment could sometimes come across as mild arrogance, but as he matured, it transformed into unwavering positivity. And this positivity was a game-changer. He took his can-do attitude and commitment to a whole new level, becoming a true force of positivity. He even coined the catchphrase, "Rock and Roll!" as the ultimate expression of joy.

His positivity oozed from every pore, touching the lives of everyone around him – from staff members to clients, from brands to friends, and, of course, his loving family.

"No" was definitely not in his vocabulary; he was the ultimate "Yes Man."

He did not like to eat alone, so during his legendary office walks, he'd sling a brotherly arm around my shoulder, all while affectionately slapping my bald head and pulling my ears. He'd extend lunch invitations to all the staff members, resulting in some of the most memorable and outrageous (alcoholic) meals you can imagine.

Restaurant owners eagerly anticipated his arrival (and ours), greeting us with warm hugs, even if it wasn't customary in their culture. The pre-lunch, mid-lunch, and post-lunch rituals turned those dining establishments into hubs of infectious positivity. The outcome? An inspired and cheerfully tipsy crowd, our laughter and positivity radiating in the air.

I'd often ask him, "How the hell do you do it? What is the secret dude? " His response was always the same, "It's simple, bro. Surround yourself with happy people, and good things will happen."

He then complimented me on my lack of hair and I told him he should compete in a sumo competition. He would crack up, wrap his arm around my shoulders and proudly declare to all that I was his little brother. Simply awesome.

If there's one invaluable lesson I learned from my big brother, it's the astonishing power of positivity.

It's not just about how it affects your own life; it's the remarkable impact it has on everyone around you. Asking ChatGPT (you would have loved this, big bro) whether positivity truly leads to better results only solidifies it:

Positivity can have numerous positive effects on individuals and their surroundings:

1. Improved Mental Health: Positive thinking and an optimistic outlook can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes better emotional well-being and resilience in the face of challenges.
2. Increased Productivity: Positive individuals tend to be more productive and creative. They approach tasks with enthusiasm and are better at problem-solving, which can lead to improved job performance and career success.
3. Stronger Relationships: Positivity fosters better interpersonal relationships. Optimistic people are generally more pleasant to be around, and their positive energy can lead to stronger, healthier connections with others.
4. Higher Quality of Life: Positivity is linked to a higher overall quality of life. It can enhance one's overall sense of well-being and satisfaction, leading to a more fulfilling and happy life.
5. Resilience: Positivity fosters resilience, helping individuals bounce back from setbacks and adapt to adverse circumstances. It can lead to a more optimistic outlook even in the face of challenges.
6. Improved Decision-Making: Positive thinking promotes clearer, more rational decision-making. It allows individuals to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
7. Inspires Others: Positive individuals can inspire and uplift those around them. Their enthusiasm and encouragement can be contagious, leading to a more positive atmosphere in various settings.

Thanks for the lesson my brother, still miss you every day.

 And even though our hearts broke when you left our world for the next, we all still follow your example, fully committed to spreading positivity. Screaming ‘Rock and Roll’, as the ultimate expression of joy!

Happy Birthday Bro.