Positivity³ – how to feed the thrive mindset
We’ve all heard the term: the power of positive thinking. But have you heard of Positivity to the Power of Three, or as we like to call it, Positivity³?
Well, Positivity³ is the term we’ve coined in the office to remind us of the valuable 3-To-1 Positivity Ratio.
It takes three positive experiences to offset one negative experience.
Why? Because of our negativity bias. Negative experiences get stored by our nervous system quicker and for longer than positive experiences. They activate our survival mindset, and we embed the ‘threat’ into our memories as a means of self-protection. To balance this out, we need to feed the thrive mindset. And that takes at least three healthy, genuinely enjoyable experiences or thoughts.
So now we know why we have a negativity bias, what can we do about it?
Manage it, is the simple answer.
Managing our inherent negativity bias effectively shifts the balance of power. It helps us view setbacks from a different perspective and appreciate the good things that happen, no matter how small they seem. It also contributes to lower stress levels and improved coping skills.
As a business owner, this translates into sounder decisions based on facts rather than fear. Suddenly, challenges become opportunities and failure a chance to learn, all adding a boost to your chances of success.
How to balance the mindset
However, we know it’s not always easy to maintain a positive attitude, so we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite go-to tools for mindset management – all to the power of 3:
3 Positive Healthy Habits:
- Start your day smart– Each morning, start your day by thinking about the things that move you closer to your goals. Plan to focus on those activities and then take action. Nothing helps positivity more than seeing the results of your efforts, knowing that each achievement adds to the realisation of your dreams.
- Choose your words thoughtfully – The language you use can be so powerful. Choose words of action over reaction. Choose positive words over negative ones. Choose encouragement over criticism. Reinforce confident thoughts by reciting daily affirmations. (Tip: Make sure these are all strong ‘I am’ statements matched to your goals)
- Take time out – Unplug. Unwind. Meditate. Actively remove yourself from negative situations. Your mind needs time to recharge as much as your body does. Give yourself the headspace to intelligently manage negative inputs and practice the power of Positivity³ effectively.
3 Positive People to Follow
The key to continued positivity is to surround yourself with positive people. Sounds simple, right? And in this digital era, it’s so much easier to do just that. Follow inspiring, encouraging, knowledgeable people on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and get your daily dose of positivity. Find people who chat about some of the challenges you may be facing but don’t make it all about business. Life is about balance, after all.
- @TED – TED Talks is an initiative dedicated to spreading great ideas. With so many short, powerful, inspiring talks to choose from, you are sure to find one to spark your imagination and boost positivity.
- @AdamMGrant – Adam Grant is an organisational psychologist and a leading expert on how we can all find motivation and meaning and live more generous, creative lives. Check-in regularly and don’t miss out on nuggets like this; “Identity is a work in progress. Your past self shouldn’t constrain your future goals. Comfort comes from maintaining your identity. Growth comes from evolving your identity.”- Twitter
- @frankdickcoach – Frank Dick is a former Athletics Coach and has been a leading motivational and business speaker for the last 25 years. His storytelling and analogies between sports and business have galvanised many teams and individuals to commit to long-lasting transformations in performance.
3 Positive Books to Read
- The Chimp Paradox: The Acclaimed Mind Management by Steve Peters – The Chimp Paradox focuses on the brain and learning how to master the logical part of your brain to make it stronger.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – Atomic Habits is about creating the right habits to make positive change and learning how to implement this to transform your life, relationships and career.
- The Power Of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale – In this book, Peale shares his formula of faith and optimism that millions of people have taken as their own simple and effective philosophy of living. His gentle guidance helps to eliminate defeatist attitudes, to know the power you possess and to make the best of your life.
3 Positivity Quotes
And to wrap it up and get you started on eliminating your negativity bias, here are 3 quotes on the value of positive thinking.
- “If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.” – Pat Riley
- “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
- “Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” – Zig Ziglar
If you make having a healthy mindset a non-negotiable goal, if you take steps each day to achieve that goal and if you adopt habits that support that goal, then positivity will become a natural part of your life. It will make you more resilient to setbacks. It will open your mind to new opportunities. It will inspire you to challenge yourself to be even better.
Just imagine the impact that could make!
PS: if you would like to find out more about how a positive mindset can impact your business, why not join our Mindset SMART business webinar?
Sources:
Forbes: The 3-To-1 Positivity Ratio And 10 Ways It Advances Your Career
