At my Uninhibited Mastermind retreat a few weeks back I challenged my clients—as well as myself, to refrain from GOSSIP, COMPLAINING and CRITICISM for the duration of our time together.

Since this retreat was the kick-off for the 6-month program, it was really important to me that we create a powerful, positive space from which to launch off from.

While it was indeed challenging, the assignment developed a strong and positive bond within the group, as well as created more awareness around an area that keeps most of us stuck and playing smaller in our lives and businesses than we’d like.

In order to step fully into our role as empowered, change-making leaders, we must make a commitment to releasing these 3 positive energy suckers.  Doing so will result in massive growth for your business and allow your dreams and desires to materialize…

I was first inspired to release these 3 biggies a few years back when the minister at a Unity church I attended here in SF challenged the congregation to give up Criticism, Complaining and Gossiping for lent.

The challenge was inspired by the book A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen, and the idea is to go 21 days without complaining, criticizing or gossiping.

So today I CHALLENGE YOU to give up these negative nellies for 21 days too.

Here are some tips from from Bowen’s book combined with a few of my own to help you find some success with this challenge.

1. Get a special bracelet (or use one you already have) and begin to wear the bracelet on either wrist.

2. When you catch yourself complaining, gossiping, or criticizing, move the bracelet to the

other wrist.

3.  Find a buddy to rock this challenge out with and keep each other in check daily via text.

4.  Create a pretty NO Complaining, Gossiping or Criticizing makeshift sign and hang it up in your office, bedroom or bathroom as a reminder.

5.  Set a daily timer on your phone to keep yourself aligned with the challenge.

6. Stick with it. We’ve been hardwired by society to complain, so just like any old energy draining pattern, it will take time to break the habit…be gentle with yourself and continue to recommit.

And to be clear, this isn’t about acting like we don’t come up against any challenges in our lives, but rather it’s about creating awareness around our actions—making the most of our challenges and moving through them constructively.  

And I will leave you with this quote I dig by Will Bowen:

“You can best get what you desire by expressing what you want rather than complaining about the way things are.”

Alright sweet friends, go rock out this challenge and share with us in the comment section below how your progress is coming along… I’ll check in to see how it’s going for you soon too!