Having a positive focus is not about accepting what is; it is about gathering energy and allies to effect positive change to improve situations. Cultivating optimism and looking for the silver lining does not deny that the cloud exists; it provides an opening for hope.
“There is a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in.”*
The questions you ask and where you place your focus does impact your experience of reality AND there are also objective external events, situations and demands which exist and shape your experiences. Daniel Simons has studied selective attention; have fun with this video which he put together.
Rick Hanson, author of the Buddha’s Brain, says “Our brains are like Velcro for the negative and Teflon for the positive.” For whatever the reason, humans have a bias to notice and focus on the negative. By living mindfully, you can enhance your ability to notice the variety of what is occurring. Then, you get to choose what to focus on. By choosing the more positive focus, you’ll benefit from increased capacity and resilience which comes from the Broaden and Build effect of positive emotions.
Medical and nursing care can be overwhelming. The amount of EHR and documentation at times seems to interfere with the quality of care you can offer patients. The aging population, often with multiple diagnoses, increases the complexity of care. The impact which you have, especially when resources are limited, may seem small. These experiences of physician and nurse burnout can lead to job turnover.
By engaging in Appreciative Inquiry, asking questions which focus on positive aspects of your life, your relationships and your work, you can leverage what works. If you are having difficulty with a co-worker, and need to discuss how to improve a situation, it is helpful to think about what you value in the other person and relationship prior to opening the discussion. You’ll start out with a more positive attitude, rather than one of confrontation, and if you let the other person know what you appreciate, you’ll set the stage for more co-operation.
The positivity strategies discussed are not so that you’ll accept the negativity in your life. They are offered so that you can have perspective, generate energy and hope. All of these will enhance your well-being and some changes will come about, perhaps in surprising ways. So, What Went Well for you today?
To enhance your well-being and that of your staff, contact me.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683), Well-Being Coach
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*lyrics from Anthem by Leonard Cohn
