Tool: Appreciating individuals
Now you are more aware of the positive people and things around you, you can focus on appreciating them.
"But I'm too busy to even think about appreciating people individually!" is a common thought. After all, you are focused on getting your job done and getting good results, right?
The truth is that appreciation takes very little time; it is just a matter of knowing how and then choosing to do it or making it a habit.
Counteract your error detectors
Consciously redirect your attention
Consciously redirect your attention
Become aware of how often your attention is drawn to what is wrong with a situation rather than what is working well. How quickly do you point out a small error on a page? How much do you focus on the mistakes that others make or the habits they have the irritate you?
Once you start noticing, you will likely find that your error detectors have a strong hold on what your attention is drawn to.
Consciously redirect your attention
Consciously redirect your attention
Consciously redirect your attention
If you want to direct your attention more consciously - on appreciation vs tasks, for example - it will take some PFC energy. Until you have developed a habit of looking to the positive, you will need to use your PFC to actively point your attention.
As you have heard before, brain care and wellbeing support a strong PFC and a strong PFC g
If you want to direct your attention more consciously - on appreciation vs tasks, for example - it will take some PFC energy. Until you have developed a habit of looking to the positive, you will need to use your PFC to actively point your attention.
As you have heard before, brain care and wellbeing support a strong PFC and a strong PFC gives you the capacity to direct your attention where you want it. Ensuring that you and others take care of your brains will also ensure that you can focus on appreciation
Add appreciation to your routine
Consciously redirect your attention
Add appreciation to your routine
As with any habit you want to build, repetition will help you develop strong neural pathways which makes a behaviour feel like second-nature. Practise appreciation regularly. As you do, it will become more comfortable and habitual.
Consider bringing appreciation to your team or working groups. How could you and your team members build appreciation into your meetings or working sessions?
What is their superpower?
What is the superpower this person has that makes them good at what they do?
For example: disciplined, intelligent, conceptual thinking, thorough, focused, aware?
How would you describe them to someone else?
For example: open-minded, intelligent, easy to be around, curious, motivating?
What is their attitude?
What is their attitude, beliefs or thinking?
For example: hungry to learn, committed, positive, generous, open-minded, accepting, happy?
What would you miss?
What would you miss about this person if they left your team?
For example: are they: fun, friendly, do they have a grounded sense of calm, are they responsible, engaging, motivating?
Why do you delegate to them?
When you delegate, why are they the right person for the job? Letting someone know why you have chosen them for a task can even motivate them to do it.
For example: are they creative, responsible, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, structured, timely?