The Power of Focus: The human brain can only take in so much data at once.
Focus on your end goal
What we unconsciously or purposely focus on ends up limiting our ability to see other things. So what happens when we choose to look mostly at negatives or limitations? What happens when we focus mostly on success? Choosing to focus on solutions primes our brain to see opportunities that we may have otherwise missed. Words prime us by creating mental images and feeling states. Negative words such as “stop”, “avoid” and “don’t” try to negate them. The brain immediately sends out emotion biochemicals in response to imagery – creating feeling states within milliseconds. Plus, the brain does not know how to negate a mental image.
E.g., when we say to a child, “No, do not go into the swimming pool,” the child’s mental image is going into the swimming pool.
When we focus on a clear goal, our mind automatically starts looking for ways to get there. Make that goal a positive one that energizes you.
Tagged: appreciative inquiry, Brain chemistry, change, influence, motivation, positive, solutions focus
Bob, Great stuff! It’s also amazing how positive words can have such a wonderful impact too! The other day someones said thank you to me for holding the door open. Those two words go a long way and sound so nice.
Thanks, Derek.
it’s great to hear from you. I agree with your point whole-heartedly. A lot of what we do at Matchbox Group is help organizations develop cultures that inspire the employees. Positive words, politeness, care and concern all are part of an inspiring culture and even just an inspiring person.
This inspiring video shows how powerfully focusing on what you really want in life guides behavior. This guy wants to live easily and affordably so he “lives small”; and he does it elegantly. Check it out at http://vitality.yahoo.com/