It’s easy. Just switch your brain from negative to positive.

Ignore what you think are the negative things in your life and focus on and be grateful for the positive things. Never worry about things you can’t control.

Start by lowering your expectations because life for a while will be different and knowing this, be prepared, and accept the changes over which you have little control, and you won’t face disappointment.

Don’t expect much, and you will be amazed at the difference it makes to your happiness. Feed your life with appreciation and gratitude for what you HAVE. Think about the hard times endured by your great grandparents and your grandparents as they prospered along with other Australians who pioneered our great country. They were tough and resilient. They didn’t have luxury cars, television, air conditioning, smart phones and hi-tech gadgets. They grew their own food and had none of the modern technology that you think you can’t live without.

If you have a house, a healthy family, a smart phone, a car, hot and cold water in your home, quality food, a television and a range of entertainments YOU ARE BETTER OFF THAN 80% OF THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.

Nearly 1/2 of the world’s population — more than 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty — less than $1.25 a day

We are now living in a period of change. It’s only temporary. The threat of COVID 19 and the shut-down of many businesses is delivering a huge challenge to many Australians. The old saying ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ now applies. More than ever we all need to focus on the good things we have, and how we will use this tough time to strengthen our character and be prepared for the future.

You may not have thought of yourself this way, but you do not have to be famous to be a role model.

Everyone in your family can be a role model. You can each radiate a positive, ‘can do’ attitude to all around you and it becomes infectious. Being housebound won’t last forever, and it will have a powerful effect as a lesson on how you value what you have – your freedom and quality of life.

During this period of time, winners will be enjoying their lives because winners don’t let challenges defeat them, they thrive on life’s challenges. Why? Because winners can overcome all challenges.

Lowering your expectations can lead to solving your problems. One example is that if you lost your job in any of the industries that have temporarily shut down, don’t seek jobs for which you are qualified because they may not be there. Offer your time to anyone who needs work done for them. Cut lawns, do clean up jobs for the elderly who need assistance with heavy work, do anything that creates income. Don’t set yourself impossible targets. I know of two people years ago who had both held very high paying jobs. They both were driving taxis around Sydney. It gave them a break from the pressures they faced in their careers. Unemployed and famous actors are often seen serving drinks in a bar.

Our standard of living has been so good that we accept good things as being permanent. Jobs will return and until they do the Government will keep your lights on, food on your table and all other services running. Take this time to refresh yourself and prepare for life after this character building period.

Be a winner and be a role model to your family. They need to know you are OK. If you are the breadwinner, you set the mood of your household. Emphasize the good not the negative. It will strengthen your family. Their spirit, happiness and hope is in your hands.

THE WINNERS CIRCLE is a National programme to assist you to flick your switch to positive. And, as Nike says ‘Just do it’.

Editor.