AGENDA. Rituals/Expectations. Positive Thinking Quiz. People Search. Positive Thinking Inventory. Brain Facts

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1 AGENDA Rituals/Expectations Positive Thinking Quiz People Search Positive Thinking Inventory Brain Facts Tips for Building Positive Thinking Traits Professional Challenge Worksheet Dr. Marcia L. Tate, CEO Developing Minds, Inc

2 The Positive Thinking Quiz* Respond True or False to the following statements: 1. Negative people are born that way. 2. In most instances, what keeps people from fulfilling their potential is circumstances beyond their control. 3. Self-confidence is something that can be faked. 4. Saying that someone is a positive thinker is the same as saying that he or she is a Pollyanna. 5. Our beliefs shape our behavior, which in turn shapes our feelings. 6. Sometimes you have to ignore facts in order to be a positive thinker. 7. We cannot change the reality of most situations; we can control only our responses to it. 8. Our self-expectations are usually not predictors of achievement. 9. Facts are more important than attitude. 10. If you don t make choices in your life, others will make them for you. *Taken from The Power of Positive Thinking in Business by Scott Ventrella

3 PEOPLE SEARCH FOR BRAIN BUSTERS OF INFORMATION Stress causes the brain to The best possible lighting for the brain is Quantity and quality of life are enhanced by Effective people have attitude toward life s stresses and challenges A positive neurotransmitter One of the top 10 stressors in life One of the most powerful contributors to success Effective people stay within their Circle of Positive neurotransmitters are produced by A calming color There is a direct corelation between stress and A negative neurotransmitter

4 The Positive Thinking Inventory* Indicate how frequently you engage in the thought, feeling, or action described in each statement by rating it from : Almost always 2: Sometimes 4: Most of the time 1: Almost never 3: Usually 0: Not relevant, not sure Statement 1. I know there is a power beyond myself from which I can draw strength. 2. I am committed to living my life to high standards and a higher purpose. 3. I don t let my mistakes discourage me. 4. I allow people time to reach their own solutions. 5. I have the quality of being able to stick to plans and projects. 6. I see individual events as part of a greater plan. 7. I don t let danger or crisis paralyze me. 8. I keep control over my emotions. 9. I tell the truth. 10. I don t let doubt affect my pursuit of a worthy goal. 11. I rise to the occasion when goals seem out of reach. 12. I keep my eye on my goals, even through daily distractions. 13. I speak up on behalf of unpopular positions if I think they have merit. 14. I use the same standard of measuring my own behavior as the behavior of others. 15. I make a conscious effort to react evenly. 16. I wake up feeling excited about the day ahead. 17. I react to stress with self-control. 18. I thrive on finding needs that interest me and fulfilling them. 19. I stay in touch with my goals. 20. I take on assignments that interest me even when the odds of a favorable outcome are slim. 21. I meet challenges with a sense of control. 22. I stay on course even when things get uncertain. 23. I make sure fear and feelings of inferiority don t drive my actions. 24. I don t allow anxiety over an outcome to rattle my composure. 25. I concentrate my energy where it will do the most good. 26. I am able to control my worries and resentments. 27. I summon up the energy needed to see a job through. 28. I act with a sense of hope about what lies ahead. 29. I contribute to the group s morale even under difficult circumstances. 30. I practice affirming myself in my skills and my outlook 31. I show energy about projects that excite others. 32. I create a mental plan to get a task done. 33. I move forward decisively.

5 34. I have a clear picture of where I want to be in my life. 35. I don t obsess over an issue. 36. I work to minimize the impact of my doubts and fears. 37. I don t act or speak hastily without considering the consequences. 38. I don t cop out hoping others will get the job done. 39. I avoid gossiping about others. 40. I gear myself to be positively hopeful in my attitudes and expectations. 41. I keep my spirits up even when things aren t going well. 42. I don t allow worry to get the best of me. 43. I m not from the let s just be done with it school of fast solutions. 44. I m energetic in pursuing outcomes. 45. I engage in those activities that are necessary to meet my goals. 46. I get a kick out of life. 47. I treat people evenhandedly and fairly. 48. I do not allow my fears to set my goals. 49. I don t engage in playing off one person against another. 50. I do not panic when adversity occurs. Scoring Grid Score 0-5 Total Optimism Enthusiasm Belief Integrity Courage Confidence Determination Patience Calmness Focus *Taken from The Power of Positive Thinking in Business, Scott W. Ventrella

6 Dr. Marcia L. Tate, Presenter Brain Facts Concepts to Remember Surround yourself with a calming environment (i.e., appropriate color, music, lighting). Handle stressful situations proactively. Stress causes the brain to downshift and weakens the immune system. Maintain a positive state to produce good neurotransmitters. Your immune system will be strengthened. Keep within your Circle of Influence, not your Circle of Concern. Stay active and live a purposeful life. The quality of your years will be increased.

7 Tips for Building Positive Thinking Traits CENTERING POWER* Tips for Building Your Belief 1. Recognize that in order to succeed, you must have solid faith and trust in your ability to attain your goals. 2. Know that you already have everything you need to be successful. 3. Realize that what you believe will happen has a good chance of happening. 4. Expect a miracle and never allow your sense of wonder to fade. 5. Never stop believing no matter what! Tips for Building Your Integrity 1. Question your motives; apply your situation against the ethical checklist. 2. Practice what you preach. 3. Be your own investigative reporter. 4. Keep your commitments. 5. Learn to say No. 6. Build and maintain your integrity. Tips for Building Your Focus 1. Know what you want. 2. Clear your mind and desk of all other projects and issues so you can focus exclusively on the task at hand. 3. Don t allow others to discourage or dissuade you from achieving your vision. 4. Focus, but do not lose sight of the big picture. UPLIFTING POWER Tips for Building Your Optimism 1. Write a positive affirmation to overcome a specific obstacle. 2. Conduct a realistic assessment of the situation. 3. For whatever challenge you may be facing, relax and think of as many viable options as you can. 4. Remember: Life is an ongoing cycle of ups and downs. Tips for Building Your Enthusiasm 1. Create enthusiasm by thinking enthusiasm. 2. Know what you re selling and be prepared to sell it. 3. Introduce some fun or competition into the task that you are unenthusiastic about.

8 4. Develop an attitude of gratitude. DRIVING POWER Tips for Building Your Determination 1. Remember your goal. 2. Attack doubt as soon as it creeps in. 3. Focus on the benefits of attaining your objectives. 4. Know that your situation is not so unusual. Tips for Building Your Courage 1. Identify and remove negative, self-limiting beliefs about the situation. 2. Capitalize on your belief, integrity, and confidence. 3. Conduct a SWOT analysis. Tips for Building Your Confidence 1. Acquire the required knowledge and skills. 2. Use confident language. 3. Practice confident behavior. 4. Focus on past successes, not your failures and mistakes. 5. Engage in preparation and practice. 6. Seek out help and advice from others. HOLDING POWER Tips for Building Your Patience 1. Don t take delays personally. 2. Distract yourself by keeping busy. 3. Thoughtfully consider the consequences of acting now versus waiting. Tips for Building Your Calmness 1. Deal with problems directly and immediately. 2. Empty your mind of worry. 3. Deal with physical symptoms of stress quickly. 4. Take advantage of your belief and focus traits. 5. Control how you talk to yourself and others. 6. Work toward greater balance in your life. *Taken from The Power of Positive Thinking in Business by Scott Ventrella

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