Dealing with Disasters and Negativity

Awareness Advantage Podcast

Dealing with Disasters and Negativity

Kevin McCarthy, and Likky Lavji

The following is a summary of this episode of the Awareness Advantage podcast. Each week, bestselling Blind Spots authors Kevin McCarthy and Likky Lavji and a studio audience of managers and senior leaders throughout North America discuss overcoming blind spots to develop and lead high-functioning, high-trust teams and organizational cultures. If you would like to be invited to join the live virtual studio audience, click here. 

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What do you do when confronted by a negative thought? Do you deflect? Ignore? How about if it is another person who is bringing negativity into your space? Do you react the same way?

We all have negative thoughts from time to time. But some people seem to make their problems a profession! There is always something, and they are always down. And this can bring us down. 

Negativity can be a limiting belief. It gets in the way of happiness and success. It fills voids and permeates decision-making. Yet some people still thrive on it. So how do you deal with negativity, and perhaps even change the mindset of yourself and others? We have a few tips that you can try when you are faced with negativity.

Surround Yourself with Positivity. Just as some people are naturally negative – there are amazing, joyful, and interesting people who make you smile and laugh and “fill your cup.” While you may not be able to remove someone who is in a negative place mentally–you can counter that with people who will help keep your spirits high.

Lean In. Be Curious. If you are curious and empathetic to a person expressing negativity, lean in. Many times people who are suffering from a negative thought pattern are seeking attention, comfort or just want to be heard. If you have space to be able to give this person–it could help them out of their negativity spiral.

Set Boundaries. If you are someone who is prone to negative thoughts, or have someone in your life who tends to be surrounded by negativity themselves, then it is important to set boundaries for yourself. 

Make Small Changes. Making small changes such as keeping a gratitude journal,  writing down the day’s successes, or holding positive thoughts for 15 seconds, can begin to alter your thinking, and allow you to shift towards a positive mindset.

Remember that all people are incredible human beings. We are naturally creative, resourceful and whole. Every one of us has the ability and opportunity to be positive and find positivity in others. Be an engaged listener for others, protect yourself when necessary and implement small changes and you will find your outlook shifting incredibly and positively!

Book Recommendation: 

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever 

by Michael Bungay Stanier

Raising your self-awareness and emotional intelligence will make you a better leader. High self-awareness equips you to identify and conquer the blind spots that lead to poor decisions, strained relationships and high levels of stress. Awareness is the leader’s superpower that drives engagement, inspires retention and shifts culture. Awareness gives you the advantage you need to influence and inspire the people you lead.

If you would like to know more about how self-awareness makes a better leader, download our latest podcast.