Friday, February 18, 2011

Are you seeing the whole picture?

Last night I finished teaching our Incubator Intensive workshop to a group of entrepreneurs. In reflecting on her experience for the past four weeks, one woman said, "I now have hope, I can SEE the possibilities."

In positive psychology we know this to be true. LITERALLY.

Positive emotion is associated with seeing the big picture. When hooked up to eye scanning equipment, people in a good mood will look around the entire perimeter of a picture versus those who are in a negative mood who stay focused on one single area.

If you're experiencing positive emotion - you are more likely to see the possibilities, make connections, and create solutions.

If you feel stuck, or can't see your way out of a situation, I suggest getting out of it by creating conditions to lift your emotions. What will budge you just an inch towards positivity?