Inspiring Workplaces: Rethinking How We Think About Positive Thinking

Published: Wed, 06/06/18

Humor at Work

ISSUE 730 - June 6, 2018


			Rethinking How We Think About Positive Thinking

	Gabrielle Oettingen, the author of Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation, suggests we need to rethink how we think about positive thinking...I think. Oettingen's research shows that the technique known as "mental contrasting" is a simple, yet powerfully effective way for anyone to improve how well they interact with strangers, speak in public, communicate, manage time, or negotiate deals. In one study, students who practiced mental contrasting answered a whopping 60% more questions on their PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). Mental contrasting is a two step process. Step 1: Think about any realistic goal you (or your team) want to achieve. Imagine the goal has come true. Picture the future where the goal is 100% completed. Step 2: Picture the obstacles between you and that goal as clearly and as realistically as possible. Imagine all the potential negatives, challenges, and barriers as vividly as possible. That's it! You're done! Well, except for the hard part of, you know, getting off your duff and actually doing the work. This technique, as simple as it may sound, has been proven to help people achieve whatever goal they are working towards.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

I was at a restaurant a few weeks ago where, rather than singing "Happy Birthday," the staff sang a chorus of the customer's favorite song. One of my clients does the same thing at work - rather than singing Happy Birthday employees belt out their colleague's favorite song (usually horrifically badly so it's that much more fun) to make it more meaningful for the birthday celebrant.
		Quote of the Week

“Laughter is how we come to terms with all the ironies and cruelties and uncertainties we face in life.” The Dalai Lama
		It's a Wacky World

This sounds like a fun place to eat: An Australian coastal restaurant turned a negative situation into a fun experience for diners by arming their outdoor patrons with water guns to ward off mooching seagulls! Hmm, I wonder if this would work in the workplace with those screeching "human seagulls"?

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More Humor at Work
Why wouldn't you choose to find the fun in your job and dance once in a while...like this guy? Choose Humor!

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