Scientists focus on post traumatic stress after a crisis, but Achor proves that there is an equally important dynamic of post traumatic growth. Think of your biggest achievements in life. There is a likelihood they were preceded by a disappointment or phase of difficulty.
Some highlights from Achor’s presentation:
- People work for intrinsic motivation. Don’t let the culture kill it.
- Everyone has a band of potential. Happy people operate at the top level. Avoid reverse-motivating them to the bottom.
- Happiness improves the success rate. A happy brain releases dopamine, which turns on learning sensors. Think of the myriad of song lyrics you can remember verbatim from the happy time of youth.
- Unhappiness/stress causes mistakes. Think BP oil disaster.
- Large, auspicious goals are destined for failure. Pick small, winnable ones.
- Focus on the Zorro Circle, a small, definable space. Give the brain a victory feast.
The easiest way to shift the momentum of misery is to focus on gratitude. “You can’t be depressed and grateful at the same time,” says Achor. Here are some positive, immediately do-able steps:
Personal Initiative. Take 2 minutes every morning. Write down 3 specific new things that you are grateful for. Pick items from the previous day. In 21 days you will have a robust inventory of 63 unique blessings that shine out against a negative backdrop, no matter how bleak. Keep up the habit and imagine what you will have over the course of a year!
Business Initiative. Begin each meeting and conference call with 2 minutes of praise and recognition. Get everyone’s happy brain buzzing to solve the challenges at hand. If you’re not the session leader, suggest it ahead of time.
Social Script. Leverage a positive peer structure. Send emails to compliment or congratulate colleagues. Do it in person. You will build a brand of charisma, which Achor defines as the ability to shape the social script. In a confrontational situation: “Before we start, tell me what’s right about….”
The goal is to get the brain to believe you can be successful, according to Achor, and to build a “cascade of success.” Information does not cause transformation. It’s all about action.
He has the statistical proof that:
- Happiness is a choice.
- Happiness spreads.
- Happiness is a work ethic.
- Happiness is an advantage.
It’s about moving toward the potential, not just achieving it. I love it. Every step a celebration.
For more, see Shawn’s website: http://goodthinkinc.com/
copyright 2012 Nancy Keene All Rights Reserved
June 28, 2012