PIVOT

“the act of turning on.”

Today is about becoming aware of negative statements that seem completely innocent and turning them into positive statements. A statement similar to “I don’t want to lose money on this deal,” could become “There’s a chance I’m going to earn money on this deal,” or “I’m comfortable spending (dollar amount) on this deal.” These subtle transitions shift the way the brain interprets the intent or emotion behind a statement. Make a list of unintentional negative statements you frequently use or have heard many times growing up. This negativity bias is an unconscious wiring in the brain that can be corrected with diligent practice.

Here is some psychology behind negativity bias and how to create a positivity practice

Negativity bias is “the notion that, even when of equal intensity, things of a more negative nature (e.g. unpleasant thoughts, emotions, or social interactions; harmful/traumatic events) have a greater effect on one's psychological state and processes than neutral or positive thoughts.” - Wikipedia

Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can alter its circuitry and function through replacement thoughts and actions. To make this conscience shift, positive statements need to average five to one. For every negative statement or thought, five positive statements need to be created to override one negative statement or thought.

Writing these statements out can be very helpful. Start by creating two columns, on the left write the negative statement and on the right leave out the negative words to craft a positive version. The statement can still feel true while leaving room for concern using words and phrases like; “hopefully,” “looking forward to” or “I’d like to see…” so it feels more believable.

For a “Pavlovian” approach, place a rubber band on your wrist and snap it each time you think or use negative phrasing. This method can also be used when thoughts and emotions of anxiety, stress or fear arise. This technique is quite a memorable way to change a behavior and thought pattern. Over time the brain will autocorrect and convert the negative statement before it can utter it aloud.