Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation

We live in a culture that habitually focuses on the "bad stuff", constantly being bombarded with negativity and an emphasis on what's wrong. The current election coverage is a prime example!

At a personal level too, it is sadly common for people to be so self-critical that they become their own worst enemies, constantly focusing on "what's wrong with me".

Overcoming negative influences

Robbins identifies five key principles that he claims help to overcome the pervasive negativity that we are so susceptible to. They are all designed to empower you with new ideas, ways of thinking and acting that lead to greater appreciation and wellbeing.

1. Be grateful - consciously notice what you have to feel gratitude for, not in a Pollyanna-ish way, but genuinely and thoughtfully.
2. Choose positive thoughts - remember, you have the choice whether to focus on the negative. The key is to catch yourself doing it and then choose to give your energy to thinking that empowers you rather than drains you.
3. Use positive language - notice the words you use and speak affirmatively. At work, especially if you are a manager, the words you use and what you say can have a huge impact on others.
4. Acknowledge others - most people are starving for appreciation! Focus on what you appreciate about the people around you and let them know. Be sincere and let them know what they are doing well and the positive impact they have.
5. Appreciate yourself - sometimes the hardest one of all!

Putting Appreciation into Action

Knowledge on its own is not enough. To really make a difference, you have to put it into action. Some simple ways to empower the "good stuff" include:

• Take just 2 minutes a day to focus on what you are genuinely grateful for in your work and your work colleagues.
• Say thank you for things that are normally just taken for granted.
• Talk about the good stuff, what's going well. This is especially powerful at the start of meetings, particularly in times of stress or challenge.

"Appreciation can make a day - even change a life.
Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary."