18. Be Positive.

You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be joyful, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Work from the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest, and that the intent behind their actions is positive. Give them the benefit of the doubt; and if mistakes are made, practice forgiveness. Remember that your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.

Marc's Message:

You probably heard the term that some people see the glass half empty (negative) and some see the glass as half full (positive).  Don’t you like hanging around people in the latter category?  They have an engaging spirit, and they lift you up by just being in their presence.  They are more fun, it’s enjoyable and often rewarding as you learn more from positive people.

One of the most positive people in the world I know doesn’t see the glass “half” full.  As he says, he sees the glass “100%” full.  This great man is Dr. Arman Askari.  Many of you may know him as the principal of PHA (Premier Health Advocates), the organization that is available to you through Famous.  Arman and his staff can be the advocate for medical issues that may arise for you and / or your family members.

Arman is also my brother-in-law, so I see him often when our families are together.  One of the things that make his positive outlook on life so special is that he has early on-set Parkinson’s.  Even though it looks like Arman could be struggling with normal day to day activities, when you ask him how he’s doing, he says “Living the dream.”  And when he gives speeches which cover his current condition, company and more, he says “I wouldn’t trade in my Parkinson’s and change one thing.”

He understands the big picture of life, family, friends, fun, and more.  Arman has been able to spend more quality (and quantity) time with his incredible wife (Jaime) and daughters (Lexy and Mandy) and son (Jacob).  In fact, I don’t know of a father and son in America who have spent more time together and talked about more subjects than one can count.

Arman has done all this while giving up his cardiology practice, but transforming his love and passion for medicine and patients, and building a company that provides an opportunity to help people live a better and more productive life.

So when we catch ourselves leaning towards a glass half empty mentality, let’s think of Arman and other heroes you know that have the right attitude.  If we do that consistently, we will all be better for it!