Leading Through Crisis: Part III

Reframing Your Mind

Traditional psychology has demonstrated through multiple research studies that people tend to

·        focus on negative events rather than positive ones

·        learn more from negative outcomes and experiences

·        have a stronger motivation to avoid pain than to seek pleasure

·        make decisions based on negative information rather than positive data

·        remember negative experiences over positive experiences

It is not easy to choose to take a positive stance; to change our focus

·        When we hear bad news, it takes 3-4 seconds for it to go into our long-term memory.

·        When we hear good news, it takes 12 seconds before it drops into our long-term memory. If we get distracted before the 12 seconds is up, it doesn’t go in at all.

This idea of reframing our minds does not take us toward an inability to be aware of reality; or leave us irrelevant in a crisis. Rather this this idea of reframing our minds and choosing the positive moves our mental stance to a place where we can advance our effectiveness in times of crisis and change.

Consider one question to reframe your mind: “What am I committed to during this crisis?”

Reframing your thinking by adding in the balance of realism with optimism is a key – in the moment – to avoid heading down the path of negativity. 

Offering grace has the potential to be a significant differentiator not only in your life but in the lives of those with whom you live and work.

Responding to the question of what you are committed to and then, adding in the willingness to be gracious to those around you moment by moment will help you discover the path to reframing your mind.

This month the Mastermind experience I am facilitating is called “leading through crisis: staying the course”. Are you leading a group that you would like to offer a mastermind growth experience to? If so, head to my website at www.healthyleadership.online/home schedule a complementary call. I’d love to learn more about how I can support you and your team during these challenging days.

Bechtle, M (2016).  Why Negative is Stronger than Positive. Blog. Retrieved on 4.26.2020 from http://www.mikebechtle.com/why-negative-is-stronger-than-positive/

Reid, K. (2018). 1980’s Ethiopia famine: Facts, FAQ’s and how to help. Retrieved on 4.26.2020 from https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/1980s-ethiopia-famine-facts#cause

St John, B. (2017). Minor Shifts for Major Boosts in Focus, Drive, and Energy. Hachette, UK.