Staying Positive: A Solution-Focused Approach
In this month's blog, podcast and free monthly video, I want to talk to you about staying positive.
When we talk about staying positive, it's not about being "ra, ra, rah."
I recall I was once described as "annoyingly positive", but let me clarify – it's not about blind optimism...
Being Solution-Focused
A great way to think about positivity is by being solution-focused. We're not aiming for unrealistic, blind optimism about everything being perfect. Instead, we should concentrate on what can be done, rather than what's impossible. Focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong helps us stay on track and discover potential solutions.
"It's about being solution-focused – what we can do...
rather than what we can't do."
The Reticular Activating System
An interesting point to consider is our brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), which actively searches for patterns. If we dwell on negatives, our RAS will pick up on more negatives, perpetuating a cycle of pessimism. Conversely, noticing positives will amplify them, creating a brighter outlook.
The Avalanche of Thoughts
Did you know we think anywhere between 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day? Astonishingly, 95% of those are unconscious. Even more startling, about 70% of these thoughts are estimated to be negative. This predisposition towards negativity is a survival mechanism that's been honed over millions of years.
The Benefits of Staying Positive
So, why is it crucial to stay positive? When we're positive, we get stuff done. We find solutions, make progress, gain traction, and move closer to our goals. Remember the "positivity ratio" – three positives to every one negative makes a tremendous difference.
The Contagion of Emotions
Something to watch out for is the impact of others around us. Emotions are contagious. If someone near you is being negative, you can try to help shift their perspective towards a more positive, solution-focused outlook, or you might need to adjust your environment.
Taking Control: Being 'At Cause' vs. 'At Effect'
Feeling in control is fundamental. When we feel we are 'at cause,' we believe we can take charge of the situation, make decisions, and take actions that move us forward. On the other hand, when we feel 'at effect,' we perceive things as happening to us, which can heighten stress levels and lead to a downward spiral of negativity.
Scenario Applications
These principles apply across various aspects of life, from professional racing to daily routines. Are you planning your season or working on your mental skills? Are you feeling in control or chasing your tail with too much to do? Maintaining a solution-focused mentality can help you remain positive and organized.
Positivity in Various Contexts
Race Weekends: Think about how you can maintain control and positivity during high-pressure times.
Mental Skills: Set small achievable goals, improve habits, and focus on recovery and mental fitness.
Day-to-Day Life: Ensure your daily tasks are manageable to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Utilizing Smart Wearables: HRV Experiments
Your smart wearables like Whoop, Garmin, Fitbit, or Apple Watch provide valuable insights with readiness scores based on Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV reflects both mental and physical stress and helps measure how well you're coping with load. By tracking HRV, you can understand your stress levels and take actionable steps to stay positive and efficient.
Understanding Load Management
Stress isn't just about how we feel emotionally. It encompasses the overall load on our organism. Awareness of this load allows us to take effective control, thereby enhancing our positivity and performance.
"The more you're aware of what's going on with you,
the more you can take control of it."
Fundamental Components of Positivity
To stay positive, consider these essential factors:
Sleep: Ensure you are getting adequate rest.
Nutrition: Maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
Fitness: Regular physical activity helps maintain mental and physical health.
Direction: Have clear goals and a sense of purpose.
Positivity: Continuously check in with yourself to stay solution-focused.
Weekly Check-Ins
At the start of each week, spend some time checking in with yourself. Assess your mental state and control your thoughts. This regular practice helps you stay aligned with your goals and maintain a positive outlook.
The Elephant and the Rider
Think of your unconscious mind as an elephant and your conscious self as the rider. The elephant, representing your unconscious desires, has significant power and will move in the direction it wants. Pay attention to its needs to achieve harmony and steer towards positivity.
Conclusion: Solution-Focused Positivity
In summary, maintaining a positive outlook is not about blind optimism but rather about being solution-focused. Consider the actions you can take, the options available, and make choices that lead to the best outcomes. Set small, achievable goals to build momentum and motivation.
Stay positive this month, during your next race, test, or season, and always keep a solution-focused mentality.
Any thoughts, comments, or questions? Feel free to reach out. Take care, and I'll speak to you again next month.
Greg
