Life is tough. It’s true, no point in denying it. The nature of the human experience is such that we must overcome challenges in order to win at the game of life. Sometimes we’re able to triumph over those challenges fairly easily and other times they knock us flat on our butts (insert Kim Kardashian reference here).

That’s where the potential for negativity comes in. It feels comforting to know that there are others out there who share our pain. It’s good to know you’re not alone (Michael Jackson even wrote a song about it). As the saying goes, “misery loves company.”

The unintended drawback here is that when we complain to others in an attempt to gain a little sympathy, that negativity becomes contagious. Being negative can ruin your day. It can drag others down. It draws more negativity back into your world. And it can even impact your health if left unchecked.

So the next time you’re feeling down in the dumps and life has kicked you square in the nards, try to go a different route in terms of how you respond. Try not complaining. Instead, smile at a stranger. Hold a door open for someone. Give a server a larger than normal tip at lunch. Call an old friend. Go all kinds of positive on that negativity and you’ll stomp it out before it can get it’s hands around your day.

And that’s how you begin to win at the game of life.