Sage Tidbit #17: What do you Think & How do you Think?

A tidbit is a small morsel…. of inspiration, insights, or lessons learned/tips to reflect on, and digest, over your week.

Let’s Go to the Root…

All results start with a thought. It’s important periodically to take inventory of WHAT you are thinking and HOW you are thinking about what you are thinking, since your thoughts directly impact your behavior and results.

As humans, we have what’s called a negativity bias. We are wired to tend to think more negative versus positive thoughts. Negative thoughts are contractive and keep us safe and look for why something isn’t a good idea or what could go wrong. Positive thoughts are expansive and look for what is right and could go well. If positive thoughts have you step on the gas, then negative thoughts have you put on the brakes. We need both to get to where we want to go.

The invitation is to be more in control, or mindful of the nature of your thoughts, and to increase the percentage of your positive vs. negative thoughts. This feels better and puts you in more of a generative state that builds momentum. What about, just for today, start noticing and asking yourself some of the questions below?

Reflection Questions:

• How aware are you of the nature of your routine thoughts?

• What percentage of your thoughts are positively vs. negatively-oriented?

• How do you judiciously evaluate your negative thoughts so as to take heed, but not over-index on them?

• Where is the opportunity to shift your thinking to increase the percentage of positive thoughts? How does this impact your behavior and results?

Suze Shaner-Brodax is an executive coach and leadership & organization effectiveness consultant. She also teaches yoga and meditation – tools to keep one sane in uncertain times. She helps professionals step up to their fullest leadership, life and growth potential. At times this means getting out of their own way in getting important stuff accomplished. www.sagelead.com.