Tips for Fostering Positive Reactions and Attitudes

Understanding Your Potential — Summary and Key Points: - Self-Understanding: Reflect on who you are and how you have arrived at your current state. This awareness is the foundation of personal growth. - Emotional Control: Preserve your peace and clarity by allowing others to misunderstand you without reacting. This conserves your energy and focus. - Resilience Against Negativity: Just as a ship stays afloat by keeping water out, you can stay positive by not letting external negativity sink you. - Mental Strength: Success comes from having a mind that is smoother, stronger and more controlled than your emotions. Practical Applications: 1. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: - Practice Daily Meditation: Set aside time each day to meditate. This helps in understanding your thoughts and feelings, reducing stress by 20% and enhancing emotional health (Goyal et al., 2014). - Journaling: Write about your experiences and feelings to clarify your thoughts and track your personal growth. 2. Managing External Opinions: - Selective Attention: Focus on constructive feedback and ignore unnecessary criticism. This helps maintain emotional well-being (Gross, 2002). - Developing Inner Peace: Engage in activities like yoga or nature walks that foster inner peace and improve emotional regulation. 3. Building Mental Strength: - Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT): Use CBT to challenge and change negative thought patterns. CBT is effective in building mental resilience, with a 75% success rate in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hofmann et al., 2012). - Positive Affirmations: Repeating positive statements about yourself daily can strengthen your mindset, improve self-esteem, and enhance your outlook. A Couple of Case Studies: 1. Mindfulness in the Workplace: - Google's "Search Inside Yourself" Program: Google implemented a mindfulness program resulting in employees reporting 37% higher levels of emotional intelligence and productivity (Tan, 2012). 2. Resilience Training in Schools: - Penn Resiliency Program (PRP): This program teaches students cognitive-behavioral and social problem-solving skills, significantly reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety by 30% (Seligman et al., 2009). — Online photos:

🔍 Understanding Cognitive Distortions in the Workplace: Shifting Perspectives for Success 💼 Hey #LinkedIn community! Today, let's talk about cognitive distortions in the workplace and how we can change our thinking for better outcomes. 🧠 1️⃣ All-or-Nothing Thinking: Instead of saying, "My presentation sucked! I'm an awful presenter," recognize that no presentation is perfect. Focus on the areas you did well and identify areas for improvement. 2️⃣ Overgeneralization: Avoid thinking, "They don't want us to succeed. This organization is racist, ableist, etc." Instead, seek out specific instances and evidence to address concerns and work towards positive change. 3️⃣ Mind Reading: Instead of assuming, "She thinks I'm stupid," practice open communication and seek feedback to understand others' perspectives accurately. Don't let assumptions damage your relationships. 4️⃣ Catastrophizing: Instead of thinking, "I didn't get that project completed by the deadline. I'm about to get fired," focus on finding solutions and communicating with your team. Explore alternatives and learn from the experience. 5️⃣ Personalization: Instead of blaming yourself entirely, saying, "We failed the audit, and now my department and it's my fault we lost our contract," recognize that audits involve multiple factors. Take responsibility for your part and work towards improvement. By challenging these cognitive distortions, we can foster a healthier work environment, improve decision-making, and enhance our overall well-being. Let's support each other in developing a more positive and productive mindset. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! 👇 #WorkplaceWellness #PositiveThinking #GrowthMindset #ProfessionalDevelopment

Today’s Joy Note is focused on learning how lean into your MENTAL STRENGTH. Life happens and the outcomes are based on your reaction and mental fortitude. In leadership, mental strength is a cornerstone attribute, empowering you to navigate challenges effectively and maintain your resolve in the face of adversity. One useful framework to cultivate this resilience is the "Rule of 12," which posits that negative events will inevitably occur, but with the right mindset, these can be faced without being broken by them. 1. Anticipation and Acceptance: First, anticipate that challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. By accepting this, you shift from a reactive to a proactive stance. Understanding that you will encounter approximately twelve significant challenges allows you to brace yourself mentally and emotionally, turning potential surprises into expected hurdles. 2. Perspective and Context: Every challenge should be viewed in the broader context of your goals and values. Ask yourself: Will this matter in five years? This perspective helps minimize the emotional impact of transient struggles and focuses your energy on long-term objectives. 3. Growth Mindset: Develop a growth mindset, as advocated by psychologist Carol Dweck, which involves believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset encourages resilience, as it frames challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. 4. Emotional Regulation: Learn to manage your emotions effectively. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and structured reflection can help you maintain calm and think clearly under pressure. This emotional regulation is crucial for making informed decisions rather than knee-jerk reactions. 5. Support Systems: Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a strong support network. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and team members who offer different perspectives and can provide emotional and strategic support. Their insights and encouragement can be invaluable during tough times. By integrating these elements into your leadership approach, you build the mental fortitude necessary to withstand the "Rule of 12's" challenges without breaking. This resilience not only sustains your personal well-being but also inspires and stabilizes your team, fostering a culture of strength and perseverance. #Ruleof12. #MentalStrength #JoyNotes Today’s Playlist: Shawn Mendes, "Hold On" Miley Cyrus, "The Climb" Justin Bieber, "Life Is Worth Living" Rudimental feat. James Arthur, "Sun Comes Up"

Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to be going wrong? You wake up late because your alarm doesn’t go off. You scramble to get ready for work and have no time for breakfast or a cup of coffee.  On your drive to work you get pulled over for speeding. By the time you reach the office it’s an hour later and you’re late for a meeting. It’s close to lunchtime before you have an opportunity to check your email and voicemail. You work through lunch, grabbing a cup of coffee on your way to another meeting. You think to yourself, how can this day get any worse? You get your answer, when you discover your front tire is flat, as you’re leaving work that evening. As the saying goes, when it rains it pours.   Have you ever stopped to wonder why some days are more challenging than others?  Our thoughts impact our behavior. When we focus our attention on the negative, we attract more negativity. Fortunately, we can change this negative pattern by focusing on the positive. Although it was not ideal being pulled over for speeding, it may have prevented an accident. Recognizing you had a flat tire before you got on the road may have prevented a blowout on the freeway. It’s all about perspective. The first step in shifting negative thought patterns is creating awareness. These thoughts often reside in our subconscious, making them difficult to recognize. When a situation does not go as planned, pause, and take a moment to process how you’re feeling. This creates awareness. Ask yourself, what is the gift and opportunity in this negative situation? Did this situation prevent something worse from occurring? If it’s difficult to imagine a more challenging situation, then it’s time to accept the situation. Ask yourself, can I influence what has already occurred? I can’t change the past, but maybe I can prevent something negative from happening in the future. If the answer is no, let it go. This falls into the category of something you cannot control. Focusing on things outside your control will only increase worry and stress. Shift your focus to something within your control. For example, if this situation were to occur again, how might you react differently?   Shifting mindset takes practice. It may seem awkward at first but gets easier over time.  The more you focus on the positive, the more positivity you will attract, and the better your life will become. #positivemindset #mindsetcoach #perspective #SuccessCoach #mentalfitness 

Happy #thinkaboutitthursday In our daily interactions, whether personal or professional, the way we react to others holds tremendous power. Consider this simple scenario: Imagine a child excitedly rushing towards you, proudly presenting a rock they found outside. Your reaction in this moment has the potential to influence their perception of themselves and their environment. By responding with genuine enthusiasm and curiosity, you not only validate their discovery but also inspire confidence and encourage further exploration. Your positive reaction becomes the catalyst for their continued curiosity and learning. So, the next time you choose a reaction, think about it: ❤️ Choose Empathy Over Judgment: Every interaction presents an opportunity to either uplift or discourage someone. When faced with a situation where someone seeks feedback or shares their experiences, approach it with empathy rather than judgment. By acknowledging their perspective and validating their feelings, you create a supportive environment conducive to growth and development. Remember, your reaction could be the catalyst that encourages them to persevere through challenges or retreat inward. 🔌 Harness the Power of Positive Reinforcement: A positive reaction has the potential to be a powerful catalyst for progress. Whether it's offering words of encouragement, celebrating small victories, or simply expressing appreciation, positive reinforcement can fuel motivation and drive. Recognizing and reinforcing desired behaviors not only boosts confidence but also reinforces a sense of purpose and belonging. Your encouragement could be the fuel that propels someone towards their goals, inspiring them to reach new heights. 🙊 Practice Selective Response: Not all reactions warrant a response, especially when it comes to negativity or gossip. In such instances, exercising restraint and choosing not to engage can be more effective than feeding into the cycle. By refusing to participate in gossip or drama, you send a clear message that such behavior is not acceptable. Your silence can serve as a powerful deterrent, helping to dismantle toxic dynamics and cultivate a culture of respect and integrity. Remember, your response, or lack thereof, sets the tone for the kind of environment you wish to cultivate. The way we react to others plays a significant role in shaping our relationships and the overall dynamics of our interactions. By choosing empathy over judgment, harnessing the power of positive reinforcement, and practicing selective response, we can cultivate environments that foster growth, resilience, and mutual respect. I challenge you to leverage the power of your reactions to inspire, motivate, and uplift those around you, creating a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement.

Intentional habit formation works wonders for developing desired behaviors. What about developing a desired mindset? Yep, that too. Enter Gratitude Prompts. There are a lot of suggested daily practices to incorporate gratitude — a gratitude journal, gratitude meditations, gratitude walks… (more suggestions in the comments) Gratitude Prompts provide a less structured, more organic approach that leverages conscious cultivation and “habit stacking” to shift your baseline & give gratitude its own momentum. You can build Gratitude Prompts into your day by attaching intentional gratitude to a built-in behavior. This trains your brain to pause for gratitude at key moments when gratitude might be sidelined by stress or otherwise overlooked. When the trigger occurs, simply pause, breathe & reflect on something you feel genuinely grateful for. A few suggestions: 💥 Set your phone background to an image that sparks gratitude and schedule a reminder for when your alarm goes off. There’s no better way to start your day than with a pause for gratitude. 💥 Bake a gratitude moment or mantra into your exit ritual in the morning. I say a mantra after locking my front door when I leave the house to trigger gratitude, positive energy & enthusiasm for my day. 💥 Choose a visual trigger on your way home from work — a particular billboard or intersection — as a prompt for gratitude. Think about something from that day that you’re grateful for and/or something that you’re grateful to return to at home. This can set you up for a positive and mindful transition. We each have so many things to be grateful for, and equally as many opportunities to default to a mindset of lack and comparison. By building a habit of gratitude you can change the default & shift your mindset for life.

Do you . . .   . . . welcome and seek to meet new people in your life?  . . . venture out to visit new places, countries, or culture?  . . . embrace difference in others?      This is the second post in a series focused on the 3 essential attitudes for effective and positive communication. In the last post, I introduced the first attitude, which is positive perspective, the ability and skills to approach others with warmth and trust and to see the best in them. The second attitude needed for human connection is openness, or the ability and skills to welcome (even seek) new experiences, ideas, and people in your life.  Being open to others includes being curious and developing in ourselves a higher degree of empathy. It softens the boundaries around you and in that way invites connection. You can strengthen your degree of openness in small ways: ✅        Ask lots of questions to get to know people more meaningfully. At a dinner we shared together, my friend Alex Lyon asked everyone this question: “What is your story?” Someone asked: "How far do you want me to go?" "As far as you want," he added. Suddenly, we found ourselves reflecting and revealing stories from generations past. It was illuminating. I doubt anyone at the dinner forgot the conversation. Right Amy M Young, Ph.D. Jade Augustine? ✅        Encourage others to share their thoughts, ideas, or positions. If you notice someone disagreeing or withdrawing, invite them to share more. ✅  Be willing to reveal your experience, stories, and emotions in an authentic way. ✅        If you are commuting or traveling, strike up a conversation with someone on the bus, the train, or on the plane. Research shows that some of our most memorable conversations occur with strangers. ✅        Visit a restaurant featuring food outside of your comfort zone. Try something new. ✅        Invite a colleague you do not know well for coffee or a walk. When you open your mind and your heart, you will naturally move in the direction of others and experience real human contact. Follow #JulienMirivel for posts about #positivecommunication #positiveleadership and #communicationskills

Your state of mind has more impact on your outcomes than anything else. Imagine if the walls closing in on your ambitions were actually built by your own thoughts. Erwin Raphael McManus in his insightful book "Mind Shift" sheds light on a powerful idea: If my mind can be structured for failure, then it can also be structured for success. This isn't just motivational mumbo-jumbo... it's a reality check. The structures of our minds aren't fixed. They are as changeable as clay. We are the sculptors. Every thought we entertain is shaping this sculpture. So, why not use this malleability to our advantage? By consciously choosing optimism and resilience over pessimism and defeat, we can reshape our mental framework to not only anticipate success but drive it. This is true in every aspect of your life. For example, in business, a study conducted by the University of California found that employees with a positive mindset were 31% more productive and 37% better at sales than their less positive counterparts. And, in health, the University College London concluded that happy, positive people are 35% less likely to die over a five-year period compared to their less happy counterparts. What you think impacts what you become. How do we start? 1. Begin with small, daily affirmations. ↳ True story. I sold books door-to-door in college and the only thing that got me through thousands of rejections while being pummeled by the sun and mosquitos was a habit of daily affirmations. 2. Reflect on your successes. ↳ No matter how minor, a win is a win. If you fail to celebrate each, the losses will feel larger. Start here. Two simple thoughts. Over time, these practices will cement a foundation of confidence. Remember, the architecture of your success is designed in the mind. So, lay your bricks. Let's rethink our limits. What's one thought pattern you're committed to changing? Share your thoughts below!

🌟 Check in with your energy🌟 🌟Today at a quick-serve restaurant, I witnessed how a manager's energy affected her team. It reminded me of how my energy shapes the workplace atmosphere and our ability to act as a team. As a reminder to myself, I wanted to list what I need to be thinking about to keep my energy in check, even though I might not always be in a positive headspace. 🌟 Positive Energy, Engaged Teams 🌟 Managers hold the key to their team's motivation and engagement. The energy they bring directly influences their employees' enthusiasm, productivity, and job satisfaction. When managers radiate positivity, a more harmonious work environment fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging. In contrast, negative energy can demotivate employees, hindering their performance. 🌟 Customer Experience, Employee Energy 🌟 A manager's energy extends beyond their team, significantly impacting the customer experience. Employees who feel valued and inspired are more likely to provide exceptional service, creating an enjoyable customer environment. Conversely, disengaged employees burdened by negative energy can unintentionally transmit it to customers, leading to dissatisfaction. 🌟 A Humble Call to Action 🌟 I am sure you have heard the phrase 💩 rolls downhill. Even though you may be the recipient of that 💩, how do you not pass that on? As managers, we must acknowledge the power of our energy and its impact on our teams and customers. By cultivating a positive and empowering mindset, we can inspire greatness in others and create an atmosphere that fosters success. 1️⃣ Practice self-awareness: Reflect on our energy and how it affects others. Be mindful of our emotions and attitudes in our interactions. 2️⃣ Lead by example: Demonstrate enthusiasm, resilience, and empathy. Encourage open communication and celebrate achievements to create a positive work culture. 3️⃣ Invest in our team: Support their growth, recognize their contributions, and provide a sense of purpose in their work. Let's embrace this responsibility and strive to be catalysts for positive change. Together, we can create extraordinary environments where employees thrive and customers are delighted. #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #CustomerExperience #PositiveEnergy

In our industry, there is such a push for technical training that I think we have lost sight of what supporting our teams really consists of. I think that we need to start training our people differently. In school we are taught chemistry, biology, and math but not how to deal with anxiety or stress. Yes, how to work flow a Submittal or RFI is absolutely important, but if we don’t train our teams about emotional regulation or how to manage the loads of stress that are intertwined in the professional world, we are setting them up for failure. I know, I know…we aren’t therapists and can’t teach that “kind of stuff to our people”. I challenge that corporate norm as there is something you can do about it that doesn’t involve anyone but you! You can change this story with the folks that you collaborate with and it starts with the environment and culture we build on our teams. Empathy is an emotional and thinking muscle that becomes stronger with use. 1️⃣Listen actively 👂🏽 With an open mind, open eyes and open ears. Do not interrupt. Withold judgement. 2️⃣Be fully present ✋🏽 Pay attention to body language, tone of voice and hidden emotions. Be aware of your own body language as well. 3️⃣Take interest 👀 Have genuine curiosity about other people. Ask questions with an intention to help or build relationship. 4️⃣Encourage and support the team 👏🏽 As a leader take time to listen, protect and empower the quiet ones. Recognize individual contribution. In life there are only a few guarantees, but I can guarantee you that if you start to practice the above you will see your people flourish. Walls will start to come down and that is where the magic happens. We move from disconnected siloes to integrated collaborators. #emotionalregulation #softskills #traininganddevelopment #anxietymanagement #stressmanagement