2020 – it has been quite the year, there is no doubt about that! But that doesn’t mean there haven’t been positive things – it just means maybe we have had to look a little harder or look in different places for it this year.
If you are reading this, thinking, “yeah, right, what good?” then maybe it’s time to reframe your language. Reframing your language from negative to positive helps you to find the silver lining in unfortunate situations – not to mention it improves communication. People are far more receptive to positive communication than communication focused on all of the negatives.
Here are a few tips for the next time you are finding it hard to change your language from negative to positive:
The Glass is Half Full
Instead of looking at the “half empty” side of a situation, look at it from the hall full perspective. Instead of using language like “have to,” switch it over to “get to,” and you will be amazed at how much differently you see things. For instance, instead of looking at lockdowns and social distancing measures as “I have to stay home.” switch it to “I get to stay home and spend more time with my family.” or “I get to stay home because I am fortunate to have a home.” When you flip the script, you realize that though the situation feels abysmal, you may be more fortunate than you realize. And it puts things into perspective, giving you a greater appreciation for what you may have otherwise taken for granted.
Swap “Buts” for “Ands”
There is almost nothing worse than waiting for the shoe to drop in a conversation. Like when you say (or hear) something along the lines of “Hey, you did a great job on that project, BUT…” – that pesky “but” negates whatever came before it, no matter how positive or praiseful it may have been. When we shift our focus to using and in place of but, we can keep the sentiment, adding to it – even if it comes in the form of constructive criticism – instead of taking away from it.
Choose “Could” Instead of “Should”
Instead of using “should” use “could” – this simple shift in communication switches the context from sounding negative. For instance, “We should have done this instead” implies fault, whereas if we had said, “We could do this next time,” we shift from blame to opportunity!
Be Mindful and Practice Gratitude Each Day
It is easy to find the negative around us these days, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t also good around us. Be mindful in making an effort to find something good in each day. Recognize what you have to be grateful for, write it down, say it out loud, make a mental note – it is sure to have a positive impact on yourself and those around you.
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If we all take a little bit more time, we can all find something positive that has come out amidst this year of uncertainty. So, what are you grateful for this year? We would love to hear your #SilverLiningOf2020! Visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn, and share your story!
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think. So start each day by thinking of all the things you have to be thankful for.” –Dale Carnegie
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