You either define the moment, or the moment defines you.
In the past several months I’ll bet we’ve all had quite a few “Defining Moments.” Each time we define a new moment, a new way forward, it’s necessary to let go of an old belief system and replace it with one that is more useful.
As we change our thinking about what’s possible and what’s not, we’re getting rid of old belief systems. That could be a good thing.
Leaders and how they lead moving forward set the tone for how engaged people will be and whether or not they will be able to rise to the occasion in the new world of work.
More often than not as we are rewriting our new belief systems, we’ve discovered that humanity needs to come first, that we must lead with empathy and that people respond well to our humility, vulnerability and authenticity. People need to know that they are cared about and valued before they need to know what your strategy is I order to be fully on board.
Life is too short not to be happy. While some would argue that happiness is inconsequential at a time when our very survival is endangered, I argue that happiness, optimism and finding the good in our situations are indeed the very things we need to get us BEYOND the current situation.
We’re still pretty shook up so it helps to remember that we have the power of choice. We get to choose – what we believe, what we want, and how we feel.
Like you, during this time. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned that I no longer want to bounce back from adversity – I want to bounce BEYOND it. I’ve learned to believe the truth in the maxim “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood” and I savor the small moments of peace and gratitude that come from my mindful daily practices.
As I get still, breathe deeply and allow my awareness to expand, I tap into a well of wisdom that’s helping me stay anchored in this time of angst. It’s helping me access insight, faith and the fortitude needed to keep looking up.
Creating happiness is an inside job. For those of us, like me, who were not born with the smiley face imprinted on our foreheads, some effort is required. I’m willing to put in the effort, for the rewards are many.
A focus on creating more happiness in our lives begins with desire and intention. If you want happiness (or joy, or compassion, or serenity etc.) you can get more of it by regularly practicing some of the tools I share here with you. After all, what good is a happiness coach if she can’t give you tools to build your happiness muscle?
One of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal for creating what you want in life is the power of intention.
Intention is a force of nature. Carlos Castaneda once said “In the universe there is an immeasurable, indescribable force which shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link.”
I believe this to be true and in addition to the mystical connections of the force, there is the practical application and use of a potent part of our own brain.
The human brain is equipped with a fascinating function called the Reticular Activating System (let’s call it the RAS for short). It’s part of our primal brain and works in the background 24 hours a day and functions as a filter for sorting through our experiences.
Once the RAS gets activated it kicks into action and starts scanning the environment to bring us evidence. For example, from the time my daughter informed me that my first privilege as “Nana JoAnna” would be to purchase a suitable stroller for my granddaughter, my RAS kicked into action.
Everywhere I went it seemed I started seeing strollers – big ones, small ones, colorful ones, ones with car seats, ones shaped like umbrellas, one more complicated than the next!
As I walked through airports I found myself following parents pushing strollers and often stopped them to ask questions about their “travel-ability” and sturdiness. Did they fold easily? Did they take the baby through toddlerhood? Equipped with a list of traveling-parent-approved strollers, I got a head start on my shopping.
You probably experienced the RAS in action the last time you bought a new car. Did you all of sudden start seeing your favorite “midnight blue” color all over the highway? Or red, or yellow? Bet you did.
The RAS is a tremendously useful device that has played a large role in our evolution and survival. (You look for the lions and I’ll watch out for the tigers, okay?)
Once activated your RAS works like an Internet search engine; your thoughts, along with the questions you ask yourself or that people ask of you, are the ‘search words’ that kick it into gear and tell it what to look for and focus on.
When you set an intention at the beginning of the day, you give your RAS direction and tell your brain what to look for and how to direct you to it. When you awaken in the morning and imprint the idea, “Today I intend to look at the world through positive eyes” or “Today I intend to look for and find things to appreciate” or “Today I intend to radiate positivity,” you are giving your brain a direct command it can follow.
Setting intention helps focus your mind. It sets you up for success. This is one of my favorite Positivity Practices:
Show Up With Intention And Conviction Every Day.
- Use the power of Intention to state what you choose.
- Write it down/ say it out loud. (e.g. Today I intend to be focused and relaxed)
- Focus on those intentions through the day.
- When you aren’t focusing on them, use “How?” and “What?” questions to get back.
(e.g. What can I do to relax my body? How can I get my focus back? Your body usually knows)
I Intend ______________________________
I Intend ______________________________
I Intend ______________________________
The act of writing and speaking your intention out loud imprints it on your senses and makes it very real. Revisiting your intention throughout the day helps you stay focused on creating more of the good stuff. Asking yourself “How can I find more ways to radiate positivity today? (Add your intention here) or “What might I do to…(add your intention here)” asks the brain to seek answers.
Use the power of intention to set yourself up for success. Choose your attitude early in the day, and remind yourself of it frequently.
What you focus on expands. What you think about you bring about.
There has never been a better time to become a “Positive Leader.” Nope, it’s not the opposite of negative leader. What is it?
It’s an intentional and deliberate kind of leadership that use the new sciences to elevate, energize and empower your people. It builds psychological capital like Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism – all part of what we need now to move forward and create the new world.
I think we all know that we choose our thoughts and in so doing we choose our lives.
I’m here to help guide you through recovery from this traumatic time by showing you how to use Positive Leadership practices to create PTG – Post Traumatic Growth. That’s what we need next.
Learn more you can become a “Positive Energizer” and get a one hour complimentary consult to get you started! There’s a free assessment to help you determine where you need strengths!
Be well, stay happy,
JoAnna
Looking to learn more about your leadership strengths? Book a complimentary session with me at www.PositiveLeadershipCoach.com
