Positivity

 On their journey, hope kept Shackleton’s men going for a very long time.  They were positive about their upcoming adventures, and that things would get better (Lansing). Remaining positive is extremely powerful.  According to IE University, “A positive mindset is the breeding ground for creativity, expansive and visionary thinking, empathy, cooperation, and connection” (Villas-Boas, 2022). It can also be used beyond coping.  In fact, “studies have shown that resonant leaders connect and activate one part of the brain, while dissonant leaders, who send out negative emotions, activate another part of the brain” (Villas-Boas, 2022).  Furthermore, positivity can have an impact on health.   In one study, “People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.” (John Hopkins Medicine, 2021).  Positivity can be used in daily life, in the workplace, to guide us through tough times, and to improve our relationships.  

Here, Kevin Hart shares his views on positive thinking, and how it has gotten him far. 

    

The brain is powerful.  As shown in the video below, mind over matter is extremely valid.  

Lastly, this clip shows how easy it can be to change one's levels of positivity, and how big the impact of that can be.  Though it seems harmless in a game of basketball, it teaches a valuable lesson about the real world.  Even the most confident and talented can be impacted by negative feedback, making all-around positivity even more important. 

          Lansing, A. (2015). Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible voyage (anniversary). Basic Books.

The power of positive thinking. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, November 1). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking 

Villas-Boas, B. A. G. (2022, February 1). Positivity is not magic. it's science. IE Insights. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/positivity-is-not-magic-its-science/