Curb your complaining by accentuating the positive

Complaining can steal both your joy and your creativity, writes Steve Keating, who suggests identifying what triggers your complaints, seeking ways to offer constructive suggestions and being aware of how many negative or critical words you may be using. "If you find it challenging to stop complaining on your own, consider enlisting the support of friends, family, or a mentor who can help you on your journey to becoming a more positive and solution-oriented person," Keating suggests.

Put it into practice: Instead of venting when a situation frustrates you, take time to think about potential solutions and what actions you can take, Keating suggests. "This proactive approach can help you feel more in control of your life."

Increasing quality, production and revenue requires employee motivation, and the drive for that sometimes leads to gamification -- such as competitive leaderboards. Boosting employees' dopamine levels can, indeed, help with the goals, but gamification done incorrectly will sabotage the efforts and make the situation worse, asserts Gloria Folaron, founder of the Leantime platform, which blends neurodiversity and project management.

Put it into practice: Only embark on gamification after first defining the problem you hope to solve, listening actively to employees and understanding what's holding them back, Folaron writes. Consider your gamification ideas deeply before starting to ensure a feeling of teamwork will pervade even when everyone isn't winning.

Bullying at work can be subtle but "devastating," writes Risha Grant, a DEI and bias expert, pointing to Workplace Bullying Institute figures that 30% of employees say they've been bullied. Subtle bullying can include withholding information, micromanaging and passive-aggressive behavior, among other things, but leaders can "model respectful behavior and treat everyone fairly and equitably," Grant explains.

Put it into practice: Recognize the signs of bullying so you can help. Leaders should foster "a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity," Grant writes. If you're experiencing bullying, seek an ally who can effect change or stand up for you; check your employee handbook for resources and policies, and don't hesitate to report it to HR.

Workouts tend to be shorter and sedentary periods longer in the winter, but it is helpful to keep up the effort to exercise even when the weather changes. Physical activity in cold weather may come with some appetite regulation, respiratory infection and thermogenesis issues, but it is still well worth doing as it produces many health benefits and may help alleviate seasonal affective disorder.

Space tourists paying startup Space Perspective $125,000 each for a ride to the edge of the atmosphere (before the weightlessness kicks in) next year can enjoy stunning views of the Earth, even when they go to the bathroom. The "loo with a view" will feature a large window, a padded toilet seat and a shade so passengers can "take time for themselves for a moment," says Space Perspective founder and co-CEO Jane Poynter.

I was bullied while working for a radio station in northeast Georgia back in my 20s. The bully was my boss, who would pull pranks on me (like hiding checks we earned for extra work for a nearby college station) and mix praise with not-so-subtle insults.

The thing was, he did this out in the open to others on staff as well, finally coming to blows with one of my colleagues. Later on, many of the former employees of this station sat in a circle during the wedding of a former colleague and shared all their stories. I called it our "survivor club" because we had all, one by one, found our way into new jobs.

Management knew what was happening but never rectified the situation. That station manager is still there. I can't imagine his behavior has changed all that much.

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