The PAT

When was the last time someone patted your back? When was the last time you gave someone a pat on the back? If you’re reading this article give yourself a PAT on the back. Come to think of it we are overjoyed when someone gives us a PAT on the back, and yet when our good work goes unnoticed, or the result isn’t as we expected, we are depressed. That is when we really need to give ourselves a PAT on our own backs.

I am going to tell you a formula that will help you win in every situation. Give yourself a P-A-T.  P stands for Positivity, A for Action and T for Tenacity.

P – Positivity: Be positive (and I don’t mean your blood group). Have an open mind and a positive attitude and half your battle is won. When Edison’s lab burned down with all his experiments (over 10000 of them), he said, “Good, all my mistakes are burnt, now I can start afresh.”

A – Action: No work would ever be done if we just stood there waiting for something to happen. The Gita clearly says, “Do your karma, do not worry about the fruit.” You need to act to make things happen.

T – Tenacity: Be tenacious, be perseverant. From a man who could not read out a report, it was tenacity that carried M.K.Gandhi to become the greatest communicator of Indian History, and preach non-violence to the world.

You just gave the project your best shot and your boss failed to notice, so what? You had a brilliant idea of tackling the problem, but they weren’t interested in listening to you, so what? You deserved that promotion and someone else got it, so what?

Some will, some won’t, so what and who next? Give yourself a PAT. Be positive, do something about it, and try till you succeed. You will end up being a better person, with a better job and a better life.

The PAT on the back factor was huge in America recently. People saw an opportunity not just to feel proud of their country, but also to feel proud of themselves. Barack Obama won. His formula was simple too. “PAT”. He oozed positivity, acted as was expected of him, and was perseverant. It was no surprise that Obama won.

Recently, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend at Barista, I noticed a bulletin board, which proudly displayed the “Employee of the month”. I looked behind the counter to see the smiling face, with a star on his shoulder, efficiently whipping the cream, pouring the coffee, and handling the billing. Clearly, many organizations have realized that giving out cash bonuses, awards, recognitions can result in less absenteeism, higher morale and more productivity.

When a junior or colleague does well, do give him a PAT on the back. Your son or daughter has done well in the class, pat his/her back. Your team just lost the cricket match, give your teammates a PAT with a “well-tried”. Your best friend just lost someone dear to him, give him the “I’m here for you” PAT. Give somebody a PAT on the back, and make a difference in someone’s life.

Best of all, give yourself a PAT on the back for being the wonderful person that you are.

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Dr. Arora is a freelance corporate trainer, Reiki master, feng shui consultant and aromatherapist. A periodontist by education, a Toastmaster by passion, she has been actively associated with radio, theatre and fine arts. Visit her websites www.mentalsparks.com and www.camelliastory.com.