We can't always be happy but we can always be positive, believing that even in the toughest times better things are coming. Here is a simple 3 step plan to boost your positivity.
What is positivity?
Positivity is often seen in the same way as creativity, that we each have a fixed amount so we either are a positive person or we aren't. Yet the good news is that, just like creativity this isn't true, in fact, as Maya Angelou said “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”. the same applies to positivity.
If you look up the definition of positivity in the dictionary
“The practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude.”
When we think of positivity as a practice,
a habit then it's something that is in our control.
So, how can we be more positive? How positive we feel is made up of a number of aspects in our outlook and our attitude. So, our 3 step plan start with reflection - where are you now? Step 2 looks at ways to boost your positivity exactly where you need it and Step 3 is making a commitment to do things differently - Let's get started!
Step One: Where are you now?
Take at look at the image above - using this as a guide - rate how positive you are feeling right now? 10 - highly positive and 1 - not positive at all. This is your baseline - we will come back to this at the end.
Researching many different sources on positivity has identified 8 key traits/habits which impact on our overall feeling. Using the table below, consider each trait ask yourself 'does this sound like me? Don't dwell to long on each points, go with your gut reaction, place a X next to each point in either the 'sounds like' or 'doesn't sound like' box.
This simple exercise will highlight the areas you are currently supporting how positive you feel, and shows those areas where you can do more. So, how can we boost these specific areas?
Step Two: How to do things differently
Using the table below as a foundation, consider different things you could do to build up these areas. But, don't stop there, talk to others. Talking about this with different people is a great way to come up with new approaches. If you are struggling with a 'can do attitude' who do you know that exemplifies this? Why not grab a virtual coffee and pick their brains?
Click here for the above links
how to come up with new ideas
What can I learn from ths?
collaboration how to bring your best self to any situation
If you haven't come across the
7 questions to SUMO by Paul McGee, then let me introduce you now. I attended one of Paul's courses over 10 years ago but these questions, and the resulting change in attitude that they drive, have stayed with me and have made a big difference. Paul created the 7 questions to offer us a way to understand and process any challenges that we face. These questions help to
keep things in perspective, stay focussed and to keep learning - key aspects of positivity. Here are the questions -
Step 3: Commit to making changes
As the saying goes 'if you want things to be different, you have to do different things' a great way to look at this is to consider what new things can you start doing, what unhelpful things will you stop doing and what great stuff can you do more of? Pick just one or two things and commit to them for at least 4 weeks.
So, now you have a plan, stick with this for at least 4 weeks - then go back to that scale at the beginning - what is your score now? are you feeling more positive? then keep on experimenting! it's an ongoing process after all.
Remember, things will come along that will mean you can't be happy all the time, but improving your positivity will help you to see that even on the tough days there are better ones coming.
Let me know how you get on and please share your own positive tips in the comments.
Janet Doran , works as a Strategic Business Coach across North Yorkshire, UK. enabling small business owners in creative and professional service industries to win in competitive markets.
Find out more at www.thepositivepen.co.uk or call 07505 120051
I post daily, information/inspiration for small business owners, on twitter @ thepositivepen
One of the key benefits business owners get from working with a coach is that ‘protected’ time to work on the business instead of it in. If you are thinking about working with a business coach please get in touch.
