Constant negativity drains your energy and hurts those around you. What you focus on grows—so choose positivity.

Complaining is Toxic

“Complaining is like a virus—it spreads negativity and weakens the team.”

Instead of complaining, try:✅ Practice Gratitude – Shift your focus to what’s going right.✅ Seek Solutions – If something bothers you, take action to fix it.✅ Encourage Others – Be the person who lifts people up, not drags them down.

The 3 No-Complaining Strategies

Life throws challenges your way, but you decide how to respond. Focus on solutions, not problems.

You Can’t Control Everything—But You Can Control Your Attitude

Try going one full day without complaining. You’ll be surprised how much your mindset shifts!

The 24-Hour No Complaining Challenge

“Being positive doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means facing challenges with a mindset that seeks solutions.”

It’s okay to express concerns, but complaints without action only bring negativity. Turn every complaint into a constructive solution.

Complaints Without Solutions Are Just Noise

When you constantly complain, you reinforce negative thoughts. Redirect your focus toward solutions, gratitude, and positive action.

Energy Flows Where Attention Goes

At work, in relationships, or in teams, complaining spreads like wildfire. Replace negativity with encouragement and problem-solving.

Complaining Creates a Culture of Negativity

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

When problems arise, view them as opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen your mindset. Great leaders and successful people don’t complain—they adapt and take action.

Challenge is an Opportunity

Instead of complaining, take action, be grateful, and spread positivity. Small mindset shifts can change your life!

Final Takeaway

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.

corporateculture

Corporate Culture

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

communication

Communication

books

Books

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Jon O. Gordon is an American author and speaker on the topics of leadership, culture, sales, and teamwork.

Jon Gordon

The No Complaining Rule

"Is it time for the next project because the clock or calendar says it's time, or because the work itself says it's time?"

The artist's job is never truly finished.This is because the artist's job is of two kinds:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of doing</li><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of being</li></ul>Creativity is something you are, not only something you do.Staying in it means a commitment to remain open to what's around you.  What you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.There is no telling where the next great story, painting, recipe, or business idea will come from.Be ever present.

24/7 (Staying In It)

How many times have we decided to just flip a coin to find out.Do I want option A or do I want option B.And how many times do we secretly hope that "heads" or "tails" will appear when we have set our parameters.What am I truly rooting for?This is the option you go with.  While the coin is spinning in the air, your heart has already decided which option it wants.Let the coin fall.Don't look at it.Go with what your heart desires.That's how you choose.

How to Choose

"What we say,what we sing,what we paint - we get to choose.......The art is the final word."

The mission is to be in the present moment with the work.Clean slate is our ability to see the work again like it was the first time.This may require time away from the work.Let is sit for a minute, a day, a week, a month.When you return with a clear perspective, you will more likely have the discernment to see what the project wants or needs.Time is where the learning occurs. ﻿

Clean Slate

What motivates us?What drive us to finish certain pieces and not others?This energy that comes from our work feels similar to another force of creation in the world:Love ❤️You catch yourself losing track of time, forgetting to eat, withdrawing from the outside world.It generates excitement in you.It commands your attention.The call of an artist is to follow the excitement.

The Energy (In the Work)

"The best work is the work you are excited about."

Art exists in the same circle of death and rebirth.When consumed with a single work to the point where we feel it is our life's mission, we leave no room for new art to be born.While the artist goal is greatness, it's also to keep moving forward.Every artists creates a living museum of finished works.  One work after another.Keep moving forward❗️

Ending to Start Anew (Regeneration)

"A work of art is not an end point in itself.It's a station on a journey.A chapter in our lives.We acknowledge these transactionsby documenting each of them."

Making art is a serious matter.The opposite is also true. Making art is pure play.Some of the best ideas come from a playful state.Stress reduces our creativity.  Reduces our resourcefulness.In play, there are no stakes. No boundaries. No right or wrong.Let your spirit be free❗️Embrace your inner child with a fresh new box of crayons.

Play

"Whether the work comes easily through playor with difficulty through struggle,the quality of the finished piece is unaffected."

We have stories about ourselves,and those are not who we are.We have stories about the work,and those are not what the work is.You are you.The work is the work.As artists, we're called to let go of these stories.We move forward in the energy of curiosity to see what transpires.Even if perceived chaos, there is order and pattern.The work is you.You are the work.

What We Tell Ourselves

"Being an artist meansto be continually asking,"How can it be better?"whatever it is.It may be your art,and it may be your life."

As I continue to share the books I read, I hope you follow me on this journey.Remember that all the Deepstash publications I do end up being a subject for my podcast "All About Books"<a href="https://www.brianmunroe.tv">www.BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Thank you❗️ I hope you follow me.

There are so many great insights in this book I decided to break this into 2 parts.  Here is part 2 - Enjoy‼️

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mindfulness

Mindfulness

creativity

Creativity

The Creative Act - Part 2

Take ownership of your life. You control your mindset, actions, and the direction you’re headed. Stop blaming external circumstances and start steering toward the life you want.

You Are the Driver of Your Bus

“You haven’t failed until you stop trying.”

Success starts with a clear vision. Know where you want to go, set meaningful goals, and focus on them daily.

Desire, Vision, and Focus Move Your Bus in the Right Direction

“Your energy and attitude are like a magnet. They attract people and situations that match them.”

Negativity drains you; positivity fuels you. Your thoughts and energy influence everything around you—choose to focus on solutions rather than problems.

Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy

“Every crisis offers an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser; to reach deep within and discover a better you that will create a better outcome.”

Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and support you. Build a team that shares your vision and enthusiasm.

Invite the Right People on Your Bus

“Great leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders.”

Not everyone will support your journey, and that’s okay. Focus on those who do and keep moving forward.

Don’t Waste Energy on Those Who Don’t Get on Your Bus

“Don’t let the critics and energy vampires get you down. Focus on your purpose, your positive energy, and the people who believe in you.”

Negativity is contagious. Set boundaries and don’t allow toxic people to drain your energy. Protect your mindset.

Post a Sign That Says “No Energy Vampires Allowed”

“No one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys.”

Passion and excitement are magnetic. The more enthusiastic you are about your goals, the more people will want to be part of your journey.

Enthusiasm Attracts More Passengers and Energizes Them

“Desire, vision, and focus help turn great ideas into reality.”

Success isn’t just about achieving your own goals—it’s about lifting others up along the way. Show appreciation, encouragement, and care for those around you.

Love Your Passengers

“The more you focus on positive energy, the more it expands.”

Passion is great, but purpose fuels long-term success. Know why you do what you do and let that purpose keep you motivated.

Drive with Purpose

“The goal in life is to live young, have fun, and arrive at your final destination as late as possible, with a smile on your face.”

Life is meant to be lived with joy. Don’t get so caught up in the grind that you forget to celebrate the journey.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride

The journey on The Energy Bus isn’t just about success—it’s about how we choose to live every day. Jon Gordon reminds us that positivity isn’t just a mindset; it’s a way of life.

Final Stop: A Life Fueled by Positivity

Jon Gordon’s The Energy Bus is a powerful reminder that positivity is a choice—and it’s one that can change your life

Enjoy the ride of your life with the Wall Street Journal bestseller None of us can expect to get through life without any challenges. Life isn’t always a constant daydream of unbridled pleasure and happiness. But that doesn’t mean you can’t approach everything with some zing – a big dose of positive energy is what you need to feel great, be successful and love life! And the international bestselling The Energy Bus can help you live your life in a positive, forward-thinking way. Learn the 10 secrets that will help you overcome adversity and harness the power of positive, infectious energy, so that you can create your own success. International bestselling author Jon Gordon draws on his experience of working with thousands of leaders and teams to provide insights, actionable strategies and positive energy. The Energy Bus: <ul> <li>Shows you how to ditch negativity and infuse your life with positive energy</li> <li>Provides tools to build a positive team and culture</li> <li>Contains insights from working with some of the world’s largest companies</li> <li>Foreword by Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One-Minute Manager</li> </ul>

teamwork

Teamwork

The Energy Bus

It seems wisest to assume the worst from the beginning... and let anything better come as a surprise

🔬 Knowledge is the Ultimate Tool – The castaways rely on engineering, chemistry, and physics to rebuild civilization from scratch.🔥 Mastering Nature – From making fire to crafting nitroglycerin, science helps them conquer the island’s challenges.🏗 From Wreck to Wonder – What starts as a struggle for survival becomes a testament to human innovation and resilience.

Survival Through Ingenuity: The Power of Science

🌍 A Lost World Awaits – The island’s mysteries keep the castaways in a constant state of exploration and adaptation.🔎 Survival = Investigation – Every discovery, from caves to hidden messages, adds to their knowledge of their surroundings.❓ What Lies Beneath? – The island holds secrets, and solving them is part of the adventure.

The Spirit of Exploration: From Despair to Discovery

👨‍🏫 A Natural Leader – Engineer Cyrus Harding becomes the intellectual and moral anchor of the group.🤝 Each Skill Matters – Whether it’s Pencroft’s seamanship or Spilett’s journalism, every talent contributes to survival.🔧 Self-Sufficiency is Key – They build tools, a mill, and even a telegraph—because civilization is what you make it.

Leadership & Teamwork: A Society from Scratch

⚓ A Hidden Guardian – The enigmatic Captain Nemo secretly aids the castaways from the shadows.🔮 Science Overcomes Fate – Nemo represents human knowledge pushing past natural limitations.🌊 A Fitting Farewell – The island’s greatest secret is also its deepest tragedy.

The Unexpected Ally: Captain Nemo’s Final Gift

🌪 The Island is Alive – From volcanic eruptions to storms, nature shapes the castaways’ fate.🌿 Harnessing Resources – They learn to coexist with the land, using its resources wisely.🔥 Destruction & Renewal – The island itself has a lifecycle, teaching the men resilience and adaptability.

Nature’s Power: Friend and Foe

🚢 Survival is Just the Beginning – The island was a test, but the real challenge is reintegration into society.📖 Knowledge is Power – Their experience proves that intelligence and cooperation are the pillars of progress.🏠 Was the Island Their True Home? – Leaving behind their self-built civilization raises questions about what "home" really means.

The Journey Home: Lessons Beyond the Island

Five castaways, led by engineer Cyrus Harding, survive on a mysterious island using science and ingenuity. They build a self-sufficient society, uncover hidden dangers, and receive secret aid from the enigmatic Captain Nemo. As the island's volcano erupts, they escape, proving resilience, intelligence, and teamwork can rebuild civilization from nothing.

Based on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, who survived alone for almost five years on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile, The Mysterious Island is considered by many to be Jules Verne’s masterpiece. “Wide-eyed mid-nineteenth-century humanistic optimism in a breezy, blissfully readable translation by Stump” (Kirkus Reviews), here is the enthralling tale of five men and a dog who land in a balloon on a faraway, fantastic island of bewildering goings-on and their struggle to survive as they uncover the island’s secret.

Jules Verne

The Mysterious Island

"When things go wrong in your command, start searching for the reason in increasingly large circles around your own desk."

"To complaints of a job poorly done, one often hears the excuse, 'I am not responsible.' I believe that is literally correct. The man who takes such a stand in fact is not responsible; he is irresponsible. "

"Followers who tell the truth, and leaders who listen to it, are an unbeatable combination."

"In the face of leadership flaws, too many people assume cynical perspectives, rather than do the hard work of building relationships in which they can have more positive influence."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"A reflective reading of history will show that no man ever rose to military greatness who could not convince his troops that he put them first, above all else."

"The only reliable leadership for transforming the community within our workplace is our own."

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

"Always do right. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

"Why waste time looking smart when I can be getting smarter?"

"As a leader...your principal job is to create an operating environment where others can do great things."

"Leadership is the creation of an environment in which others are able to self-actualize in the process of completing the job."

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

"The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness."

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."

"It takes leaders to grow other leaders."

"You cannot be effective if those who work for you are not. So building their effectiveness ought to be a priority."

"No executive has ever suffered because his subordinates were strong and effective."

"Feedback is a gift. Ideas are the currency of our next success. Let people see you value both feedback and ideas."

"There are three kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, 'What happened?'"

"It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him."

"Pride is the fuel of human accomplishment."

"The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated."

"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul."

"Nothing will work unless you do."

"You may have to fight a battle more than once in order to win it."

"The future is not shaped by those who do not really believe in the future."

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

"The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."

Here are some leadership quotes about character, initiative, persistence, and risk.

Leadership quotes about public service, character, initiative, persistence and taking risks.

career

Career

humanresources

Human Resources

Leadership Quotes about Character, Initiative, Persistence, and Risk

Great organizations don’t just focus on profits—they build a culture of care, connection, and purpose.

The Power Of Culture

Success isn’t just about strategy; it’s about the people who execute it. Engage, appreciate, and invest in your team.

People Are The Secret Ingredient

”The ingredients you put into your soup determine its quality, just like the culture you create shapes your team.”

True leadership is about serving others. When you focus on helping your team succeed, you create a thriving organization.

Serve To Lead

Positivity spreads. Leaders set the tone, so bring enthusiasm, encouragement, and belief in your vision.

Energy Is Contagious

“Every day you are stirring the pot of life, and the most important ingredient you can put into your soup is you.”

A company with a mission fueled by passion and care will outperform one focused only on transactions.

Love Your Work & Your People

Express appreciation regularly. Gratitude strengthens relationships and keeps the workplace energized.

Stir The Pot With Graitude

Soup by Jon Gordon teaches that leadership isn’t just about strategy—about culture, connection, and serving others. The ingredients we put into our teams and organizations, like belief, positivity, and appreciation, determine our success. By leading with care, fostering strong relationships, and inspiring those around us, we can create workplaces that thrive. Whether you’re a leader, manager, or team member, remember: the energy you bring to the table matters. Stir the pot with passion, gratitude, and purpose, and you’ll build something truly extraordinary.

Conclusion

More than 100,000 sold Why it matters who's stirring the pot Soup offers an inspirational business fable that explains the "recipe" you can use to create a winning culture and boost employee morale and engagement. The story follows Nancy, the newly anointed CEO of America's Favorite Soup Company. She has been brought in to reinvigorate the brand and bring success back to a company that has lost its flavor and profit and has fallen on hard times. Fatefully, while eating lunch at a local soup shop, Nancy discovers the key ingredients to unite, engage, and inspire her team and create a culture of greatness. <ul> <li>From the bestselling author of The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, and Training Camp</li> <li>Find out how culture drives behavior, behavior drives habits, and habits deliver results</li> <li>Create relationships that are the foundation upon which successful careers and winning teams are built</li> <li>Features quick takeaways you can use to invest in your people, build trust, create unity, and enhance engagement</li> </ul> A turnaround tale like few others, Soup will inspire you to work in your own company to unleash the passion that delivers superior results.

Soup

Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke explores how decision-making is less about certainty and more about probabilities. By embracing uncertainty and thinking like a poker player, we can make smarter choices in business, life, and investing.

Good decisions don't always lead to good outcomes, and bad decisions don't always lead to failure. Instead of focusing on results, we should assess decisions based on available information and probability.

Overview (Take A Glance)

Every decision is a wager on what will happen next. Since we rarely have complete information, we must think in probabilities rather than absolutes.A bet is simply a decision about an uncertain future.

Decisions are Bets on the Future

Just because something worked doesn't mean it was a good decision. Luck and hidden factors influence results.We are quick to judge decisions by their results, even when luck plays a role.

Separate Decision Quality from Outcome

Resulting is when we judge a decision solely by its outcome. A good decision can lead to a bad result, and vice versa.Good decisions can still have bad outcomes, and bad decisions can sometimes work out.

Avoid Resulting

The best decision-makers assign probabilities to different outcomes instead of assuming something will or won't happen.Instead of saying I'm sure, try I think there's an 80% chance.

Think in Probabilities, Not Certainities

Life is unpredictable, and we rarely have all the information. Accepting uncertainty leads to better decision-making.Acknowledging what we don't know helps us make smarter choices.

Embrace Uncertainty

The goal isn't to be right all the time, but to improve the accuracy of our thinking. Being open to new information is key.Winning doesn't come from always being right. It comes from being less wrong over time.

Ditch the Need to be Right

Admitting uncertainty doesnt mean weakness it means you're thinking rationally and open to learning.The best decision-makers are comfortable with "I don't know."

Use I'm Not Sure As A Strength

A structured decision-making process prevents emotional bias. We should analyze past decisions and refine our approach.Great poker players don't rely on luck; they rely on process.

Create a Decision Making Process

When we know the outcome, we think it was inevitable. This distorts our ability to learn from past mistakes.he fact that something happened doesn't mean it was bound to happen.

Beware of Hindsight Bias

Instead of going all in on a decision, test ideas with small, reversible bets to gather more information.Good decision-makers place a series of small, intelligent bets.

Make Small, Low Risk Bets

Feedback from people who challenge your thinking helps improve decisions. Look for honest, smart, and rational thinkers.Find people who care more about getting it right than being right.

Surround Yourself with a Decision Group

Seek out different viewpoints instead of surrounding yourself with agreement. This prevents blind spots. A group that only agrees with you isn't helping you make better decisions.

Encourage Dissenting Opinions

Ask: What if the opposite happened?Imagining alternative scenarios helps refine future decisions.Considering what didn't happen is as important as what did.

Use Counterfactual Thinking

Good decisions aren’t about certainty—they’re bets on the future. Think in probabilities, not absolutes.

A Wall Street Journal bestseller, now in paperback. Poker champion turned decision strategist Annie Duke teaches you how to get comfortable with uncertainty and make better decisions. Even the best decision doesn't yield the best outcome every time. There's always an element of luck that you can't control, and there's always information hidden from view. So the key to long-term success (and avoiding worrying yourself to death) is to think in bets: How sure am I? What are the possible ways things could turn out? What decision has the highest odds of success? Did I land in the unlucky 10% on the strategy that works 90% of the time? Or is my success attributable to dumb luck rather than great decision making? Annie Duke, a former World Series of Poker champion turned consultant, draws on examples from business, sports, politics, and (of course) poker to share tools anyone can use to embrace uncertainty and make better decisions. For most people, it's difficult to say "I'm not sure" in a world that values and, even, rewards the appearance of certainty. But professional poker players are comfortable with the fact that great decisions don't always lead to great outcomes, and bad decisions don't always lead to bad outcomes. By shifting your thinking from a need for certainty to a goal of accurately assessing what you know and what you don't, you'll be less vulnerable to reactive emotions, knee-jerk biases, and destructive habits in your decision making. You'll become more confident, calm, compassionate, and successful in the long run.

Thinking in Bets

Find 100+ Facts about Leadership - Curated from inspiring sources like Books, Podcasts & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

The No Complaining Rule

The Creative Act - Part 2

The Energy Bus

The Mysterious Island

Leadership Quotes about Character, Initiative, Persistence, and Risk

Soup

Thinking in Bets

Perfect Is The Enemy Of Good

Pivot or Die

The Triangle of Talent

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

The No Complaining Rule

The Creative Act - Part 2

The Energy Bus

The Mysterious Island

Leadership Quotes about Character, Initiative, Persistence, and Risk

Soup

Thinking in Bets

Perfect Is The Enemy Of Good

Pivot or Die

The Triangle of Talent

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.