A Simple Formula to Generate Positivity in Your Life and Workplace
“I had time and a sense of wonder.” ~Louie Schwartzberg
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Generate Positivity in Your Life and Work
Two of my coaching clients both asked me the same question this week: How can I create more positivity in my life and in my workplace? Both of these guys are feeling ground down by the negativity around them.
My first assignment for them was to keep their What Went Well log, a tool developed by the positive psychologist Martin Seligman, and something that I have written about on the Appreciative Leaders and Organizations Blog before. You can read about the WWW exercise here, but in a nutshell, it helps you focus on the positives in your life–the positives that our brains don’t see when we are swamped by negativity.
Nature Opens Hearts
My second assignment was for them, to get out, even for a short time—like 15 minutes—and experience something beautiful in nature. Getting in touch with nature develops gratitude; it opens our hearts, and is a major positivity generator.
Synchronously, I was forwarded a video Gratitude – created by Louie Schwartzberg of Moving Art, which he delivered for TEDxSF (TEDxSan Francisco) by one of my Facebook friends, the graphologist and mystery writer Sheila Lowe. This video has, as you can imagine, beautiful nature photography. But, what I really liked was how Schwartzberg so elegantly explains why nature generates gratitude. He also interviews a child and an elderly man, part of his “happiness revealed” project, and their reflections are incredibly inspiring.
I hope you watch this video—it may be the best 9 minutes you spend in 2011. My guess? That you won’t be able to watch it just once either. But don’t take my word for it…check it out yourself…
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So now, tell me, how are you going to be with nature more in 2012?
Would you like to be coached by Dr. Lynn K. Jones to develop your Positivity? I would love to talk to you about some simple shifts you could make right away that will make a big difference! Schedule a time to talk that works for you on Dr. Lynn’s calendar
Appreciatively,
Dr. Lynn K Jones
Dr. Lynn K. Jones is a Board Certified Coach and an Advanced Certified Personal and Executive Coach based in Santa Barbara, California and a sought after coach and consultant for organizations and individuals across the US. Her doctoral work completed at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University concerned organizational culture; she coaches, consults and trains organizations on what they need to do to create organizational cultures that are aligned with their vision and values using a process of Appreciative Inquiry. She coaches individuals on achieving their reflected best selves. A MSW@USC faculty member, Dr. Lynn K. Jones, MSW, DSW, CSWM, teaches Human Behavior and Social Environment and Leadership to social work students at the University of Southern California.
P. S. Did you know that random acts of kindness generate positivity too? It would be a fabulous kindness to me if you share your comment-love on this page and spread the word by sharing this link! ♥
Thank you for giving us this link – it was so beautiful – it made me feel like maybe there is an answer for me out there if i only find the courage to reach out for it. Right now i feel like i need a new direction for my life – i just turned 54 and feel very unsatified with where i am. I am afraid to make any bold moves but feel more afraid of staying where i am. thank you again for sharing this – i am also going to try and keep the WWW journal and see if that provides a new direction or maybe helps me to become satisfied with where i am now. who knows?
Susan,
It does take courage to step into a new direction in life. I am glad that this helped you to take the next step! I am also thrilled that you will be keeping the WWW journal. It will help you begin creating new neural pathways and you will see more opportunities and possibilities as a result. Let me know if there is anyway I can help you in your journey!
Appreciatively,
Lynn
Powerful message, appropriate to the season. Thank you, Dr. Jones.
Glad you liked it! ♥
Dr. Lynn Jones,
Thank you for your great advice. And thank you for that amazing video. It put tears in my eyes and made me so happy about today. That was nine minutes well spent and it so reinforced the wisdom of writing down the good things that happen.
I am going to share this with my friends.
In appreciation,
Calla Gold
Happy Santa Barbara Jeweler
Happy day, Calla! Thanks for sharing with your friends and spreading the beauty of nature!
Appreciatively,
Lynn
The video reminded me of the importance of being still and taking notice to appreciate the simple things in life.
Yes, taking time to smell the roses, as they say! It makes me happy that you took time to watch the video and that that important message was reinforced for you!
Appreciatively,
Lynn
Everyone takes life so seriously they get uneasy with their ideals and their core being. To simplify things is not to make them so simple that they have no meaning, rather just KISS it until it makes sense again. Happy new year and a few words of wisdom for 2012 (which adds up to 5, which is a prime number, not to mention the world is supposed to end.)
1. You don’t need a parachute to skydive once, you only need one to skydive twice.
2. If you worry only about the things that are 100% in your control, you shoulders can take a rest and so can you.
3. If you build it they will come.
4. Only thing worse than doing mathematics is not having batteries for your calculator watch.
5. Kids make life so simple and innocent, until they start trying to grow up. The only thing to do is try and remind them that growing up is not something you have to try and do, it comes with time.
I like your sense of fun and your approach to 2012–take the lighter side of life when you can. It is true we take much too much too seriously, including ourselves! 🙂
Appreciatively,
Lynn
[…] your team to success in 2012. It takes the same sort of positive energy to do both. And if you can generate that positivity in little ways for yourself at home, you can amplify it by sharing it with others.It’s easy to forget […]
After reviewing the article on generating positivity in your life and workplace…
Generating positivity from past experiencing can be challenging especially as stated above when situations become swamped by negativity. The advice given on ways to generate more positivity in life especially spending time in nature is a great way to start. The benefits nature provides are far more lasting.
So true, Shasta. And if you don’t have nature near by import it to your environment. I get so much joy from the beautiful orchid I have in my office right now!
Appreciatively,
Lynn
I like the idea of spending time in nature if it will make you more positive. I am looking forward to smiling more.
@prathima Nature does bring smiles! And guess what, when we smile we send a signal to our brains that triggers happiness. So smile more to make yourself happy!
Appreciatively,
Lynn