The heliotropic effect

On the last day of my "Managing People" class this semester we talked about the heliotropic effect--the inclination of all living things to be attracted to that which is light (optimistic, hopeful, uplifting) rather than dark (depressing, pessimistic, discouraging). I love this concept, and it got me thinking about how the people I enjoy spending time with the most are convinced that they can make things better--their classes, their relationships, their lives. My least favorite people are resigned or hopeless or discouraged.

I've been complaining about work way too much; poor Bob! I'd rather be in the "lightness" camp, and I need to try harder to stay there.