The science of physics tells us that opposites attract. Positive attracts negative and visa versa. Positive thinking can open our minds, lighten our hearts and brighten our days. Negative thinking can color the world gray, spoil spontaneity, and deliver the one-two punch of hopelessness and helplessness. It is not either or. These two rely on each other, mysteriously sometimes. Most of us have experienced the powers of negative and positive thinking and how they can affect our attitude for the day. It can be subtle, joyful or outright debilitating. Even when our clients enthusiastically come to the coaching relationship declaring readiness to positively effect change in their lives, negativity sometimes surfaces thereby dominating, and thus frustrating, efforts to change. How can we support our clients when this happens?
Suggesting that they “See the cup as half full”, “Look for the silver lining behind a dark cloud”, or “Look on the bright side” are clever thoughts yet, in my experience, our thoughts do not create reality. Our attitude does. So then, how can we support our clients’ attitude? I have a few ideas. See what you think. When we listen carefully to what our clients complain about, we gain insight into their negative thinking. Encouraging an “Attitude of gratitude” expands possibility and positivity for them. When we listen deeply to what our clients say about their self-worth and self-esteem, we gain insight into their experience of their lives thus far. Pointing out opportunities to appreciate their achievements, and the wisdom gained from their experience, expands potential and positivity. When we listen without judgment to their intentions we can help to clarify and simplify those intentions and where they can expand by opening to positive support. Think IAC Coaching Mastery® number 7.
This Coaching Mastery®, with the other 8 IAC Coaching Masteries®, provides a map to the treasure we may call a positive attitude.
In my opinion, it is not realistic to think that life will ever be without negative thoughts. What is realistic is that how the attitude with which one responds to both negative and positive experience can, if we allow it, color one’s day, bring hope and empowerment, love and creativity into the mix.
Better yet, when positivity and negativity can lock arms at the elbows and walk together as companions, life is complete and colorful. It is called attitude. We can help our clients open to the vision of a cloud with a silver lining.
But wait, there’s more. Part and parcel to being a professional life coach is “walking the talk” and “practicing what we preach”. In other words, masterful life coaches do what we suggest others do.
How do you, integrate gratitude, clear intention, your attitude of possibility, your positive and your negative thoughts into your daily life? The extent to which you do that is the extent to which you will be able to empower your clients to do the same.
“Whether you think you can
or
Whether you think you can’t,
You’re right.”
Attributed to several people, most commonly Henry Ford.
Martha Pasternack, MMC; My passion for witnessing the beauty and mystery of life, healthy healing and the promotion of Peace on Earth are integral to my daily life. I have been life coaching since 2004 as a Fearless Living Coach after working 30 years as a health care professional.
www.CircleofLifeCoach.com
