The Power of Positive
Would you like to make a difference in your own life or your career trajectory? It’s time to experience the power of positive!
Did you know that your brain physically has difficulty processing negatives? If you say to yourself, “Don’t do this” or “Stop doing that,” you’re less likely to take action. That’s why so many people fall short with their goals - why restricting diets fail, why many employees have a difficult time turning around their behavior when facing disciplinary action, and why children will continue to do the things parents have forbidden. Negative commands are about as useful as talking to a wall and hoping it moves.
As coaches, we encourage our clients to re-frame problem-based statements into positive, opportunity-based statements because this process empowers them to take action. Positive statements also root seeds of motivation that can come in handy when the going gets tough.
Photo by Olenka Sergienko from Pexels
When can we use the power of positive?
Self-talk
How are you talking to yourself today? A great exercise for self-awareness is to journal your thoughts periodically throughout the day. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues, friends, and family. Take a look at what you wrote down or received as feedback. Do you see a pattern of statements that are problem-based or opportunity-based? How do you feel about what you discovered? If you noticed more problem-based statements, perhaps it’s a good time to re-frame what you captured and put your new statements into practice. What CAN you do? What WILL you do? How are you THANKFUL today? These statements encourage forward movement, which is exactly what will make a difference in our lives and careers.
Choosing our influences
One thing I’ve seen over and over again in the workplace and while coaching others is that negativity is contagious. Did you know that being positive is also contagious (and much more appreciated by others)? If you were to imagine yourself as an outsider watching what influences you throughout the day, what would you see? Would you see yourself interacting with problem-focused individuals or limiting factors, such as personal labels, naysayers, and / or complainers? OR Do you find that you’re surrounded by positive, opportunity-focused individuals that lift you up (in a real, non-superficial way)? Once you have had a chance to assess who and what is influencing you, ask yourself, “How do I want this to look differently?” Then choose what you will allow to continue to influence you in the future.
Choosing how to influence others
Life and the world we live in are already full of limiting factors - Be the leader that changes the tide toward positive flow. It’s time to look closely at how we impact others. What value are you currently bringing to the lives of those you interact with, whether colleagues, direct reports, business partners, or others? What value would you like to bring to them going forward? Using positive statements in your interactions with others will enable you to be a catalyst in the development and building up of others.
If you’re looking for a coach to help you shift your perspective and re-frame your goals, Flow Momentum Coaching and Consulting, LLC can help. Schedule a free 20 minute chat with the coach to find out how my services can help shift your mindset and achieve your desired outcomes.
