I listened to a friend, Dr. Nicole Bossard, being interviewed on a podcast recently. The podcast is Finding your Fierce and the episode was Positivity as a Survival Tool: How to MacGyver Your Life with Dr. Nicole Bossard. The discussion offered valuable insights that resonated with me, prompting me to think about the connection between positivity and appreciative inquiry, as they complement each other seamlessly.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it can be easy to lose focus of the positive. The power of positivity should never be underestimated. A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties; it means approaching them with optimism, resilience, and the belief that you have the tools to overcome them.
One powerful method to cultivate and maintain positivity is through Appreciative Inquiry. This strength-based approach focuses on what’s working well and how to build on those successes. Instead of dwelling on problems, it encourages us to explore possibilities, solutions, and positive potential—both within ourselves and our relationships.
Why positivity matters
Positivity isn't just about feeling good; it's about the way we choose to respond to life’s challenges. Research shows that individuals with a positive attitude are more likely to:
- bounce back from setbacks faster;
- experience lower levels of stress;
- build stronger relationships; and
- find creative solutions to problems.
When you focus on what’s going right rather than what’s going wrong, you open the door to new opportunities and experiences that bring joy, fulfillment, and growth.
How Appreciative Inquiry enhances positivity
Appreciative Inquiry is a powerful tool to shift perspectives and focus on strengths. It begins with asking questions that highlight the positive aspects of any situation and exploring how to build on those successes. By framing conversations around what’s working, you create an atmosphere of hope, collaboration, and possibility.
How does Appreciative Inquiry help?
- It shifts the narrative from What’s wrong? to What’s right?
- It encourages self-reflection and collective conversations that focus on growth.
- It fosters resilience and helps people see potential where they might have seen obstacles.
Appreciative Inquiry isn’t just for organizations or teams. It can be used in everyday life to maintain a positive attitude, nurture relationships, and foster a sense of possibility in the face of challenges.
Questions to ask yourself for positivity
A positive mindset often starts with the questions we ask ourselves. Here are a few Appreciative Inquiry-inspired questions for you to consider using in your personal life:
What is going well for me right now?
Reflect on your personal successes, big and small. By focusing on the good, you’ll reinforce positive energy and motivation.
When have I felt most proud or fulfilled recently?
Revisiting moments of pride can remind you of your abilities and strengths, which helps build confidence.
What resources or support do I have around me that I can rely on?
Often, we focus on what we lack. This question encourages you to shift your mindset toward recognizing the support systems you already have.
What positive changes have I made in the past that I can build on?
Use your past successes as a foundation for future growth.
What challenges have I overcome before that give me strength now?
Reflecting on previous hardships you’ve conquered can remind you of your resilience and ability to handle current difficulties.
Questions to ask others to foster positivity
Positivity can also thrive in the conversations we have with others. Whether you’re talking to friends, family, or colleagues, using appreciative questions can create a supportive and optimistic environment. Here are a few examples:
One of my favorite questions to ask in groups or at the start of a meeting is: Can you share a success you’ve had in the past week?
This question encourages people to reflect on a positive moment they might not have fully appreciated. It gives them the opportunity to acknowledge their achievement and to share it with others, creating a sense of celebration and support within the group. By starting with success, the conversation shifts toward positivity, boosting confidence and fostering connection.
What strengths do you feel proud of in your current work or personal life?
Highlighting strengths allows others to recognize their own value and abilities.
Can you think of a time when you’ve successfully navigated a challenge? What helped you?
This question encourages others to reflect on their resilience and what resources helped them overcome past obstacles.
What’s something you’ve learned or discovered about yourself recently?
Learning promotes growth, and recognizing personal discoveries fosters a sense of accomplishment.
The ripple effect of positivity
When you focus on positivity and practice Appreciative Inquiry in your life, the effects can be far-reaching. By choosing to maintain a positive attitude and asking strength-based questions, you improve your own outlook and positively influence the people around you. This ripple effect spreads optimism, resilience, and hope, creating a more supportive and uplifting environment for everyone.
In conclusion
Positivity isn’t just a feeling; it’s a mindset that can be cultivated and maintained. Appreciative Inquiry is a powerful approach to help you shift your focus toward what’s working well in your life and how to build on those strengths. By asking the right questions, of yourself and others, you can create and maintain an atmosphere of positivity that fuels growth, resilience, and fulfillment.
Next time you face a challenge, take a moment to reflect on what’s going right and how you can build on it. You might be surprised by the opportunities that arise from a simple shift in perspective.
What’s one positive thing happening in your life right now? Let’s start the conversation. Send me an email and tell me. I want to know.
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