What George from Seinfeld can teach us

It's the classic Seinfeld episode where chronic under achiever George Costanza decides to do everything 'opposite' in the hope that it will change his life.

Instead of his regular tuna sandwich for lunch it's now chicken salad. Instead of sugar coating his history in job interviews, he is brutally honest about his less than successful resume. He even asks out a lady he normally wouldn't have! With his new 'opposite' philosophy he has positive outcomes and his life turns around - at least in this very funny episode.

Some of you may never have heard of  George, but in a world that's had such a turbulent year wouldn't it be great if all forms of media, social or otherwise decided to have an 'opposite' day, week or year. Instead of reporting terror and grief, why not report on all of the great things that happen in our communities and consign negatives to the bin.  

What if politicians had an 'opposite' year and started working with each other, through mature, productive debate, to better this wonderful country of ours?

Dear banks, have an 'opposite' week and don't charge interest on loans in the period just before Christmas. Ok, not likely to happen, but you see the point.

Most of all, at this time why don't we all follow George and have an 'opposite day, week or year?

Rather than walk briskly past the elderly, if there is an opportunity, offer to lend them a hand or maybe just say hello and engage them in simple conversation - it will make their day.

If you've been holding back from a challenge - new job, new relationship, new move, new anything - then why not have an 'opposite' moment, embrace it and just do it.

Rather than look at people in the community with a disability as someone we would prefer to ignore, why not embrace inclusiveness, look past what you see or don't understand and look for different abilities (aka diffabilities) in a person.

The mane thing George teaches us I think is that challenging our first instincts and going with the reverse can sometimes be beneficial. It can be a powerful exercise in self development.

As George Costanza would say: I hope you have a great 'opposite' day!