Shift to Positive Interpretations
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond.”
Charles R. Swindoll
Shifting to positive interpretations helps us respond better to challenges so we can stay on track.
Think about how often we quickly jump to negative conclusions when a stranger, family member, or friend says or does something that upsets us. For all we know, he or she may be dealing with something that has nothing to do with us.
Or, consider the frustration we feel when we’re beating ourselves up about what we did or didn’t do. Have you ever found this to be helpful? It usually just makes things worse.
Why is this so?
Well, there’s a strong connection between our thoughts and our emotions. How we feel impacts how we act. This also impacts our actions and results. So when we automatically assume something negative, it triggers emotions such as guilt, anger, or discouragement. And when we feel this way, we can make a bad decision, become unproductive, or even get stuck and take no action at all.
The good news is that a simple shift in our thoughts can make a significant impact on our daily lives.
Here is how to shift to more positive interpretations in your life.
Step 1
Identify a different way to interpret something by asking yourself, “Why else might this person be acting the way they are?” or, “Why else might this situation be this way?” So, rather than assuming the worst, pause and ask yourself what else could have caused this.
Step 2
Now that you’re feeling better and likely more empowered, ask yourself, “What action can I take to help me move forward in a positive way?” This will allow you to take back ownership and generate solutions to move forward.
What would I say?
When we’re beating ourselves up, a good question to ask is ‘what would I say to a friend?’ since we often treat friends much kinder than we do ourselves. This question helps us practice being more supportive of ourselves. You can only change yourself and how you respond.
Shift to Positive Interpretations Example
Pause and challenge negative interpretations about yourself, situations and others.
Situation:
I gained weight and have unhealthy eating habits; I will never get this weight off.
Alternative Possibilities:
I just got off track in the last few months, I can’t change that now by continuing to beat myself up.
Productive Actions:
This week, I will cut out one thing out of from my diet that is unhealthy and replace it with fruit.
Shift to Positive Interpretations Example
Pause and challenge negative interpretations about yourself, situations and others.
Situation:
My mom and I will never get along. Our relationship can’t be repaired.
Alternative Possibilities:
Deep down I know we both love each other, and she wants the best for me
Productive Actions:
Once a week, I will talk to her on the phone with a positive tone from a place of love
Shift to Positive Interpretations Example
Pause and challenge negative interpretations about yourself, situations and others.
Situation:
I really don’t enjoy my job; I’ll never have a job I like.
Alternative Possibilities:
I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to provide for my family
This job is not forever, but helpful for now
Productive Actions:
Each day I will identify 2 things that I like about my coworkers or job to reframe my perspective
I’ll research other work opportunities for the future