What children can teach us: positive thinking
Even children know that positive thinking is good for you. If you think positive thoughts you feel happier. Easy.
Now some kids think that when something bad happens, such as breaking your arm, no matter how you think about it it’s still bad. But some kids think that if you think of the benefits of breaking your arm, it’s not so bad after all. And if you can’t think of any benefit sod breaking your arm, you’re just not trying, for example all your friends will want to come to see you to autograph your cast!
You may be wondering what makes some children think that ‘bad’ things are always bad, and make others able to look on the bright side of life. Is it their age? Maybe older kids see the benefit of reframing? No, that’s not it. Maybe kids from higher socio-economic backgrounds? No, try again.
It turns out the single biggest predictor of kids ability to positively reframe the most negative events is their parents mental attitude. Kids with parents who routinely put a positive spin on events are more likely to positively interpret events in their own lives.
Application to hypnosis
As a hypnotist, you have some of the influence that a parent has with a child, at least with your longer term clients. After all they come to rely on you for counsel and advice. They may not be children, but they are likely to look to you for how to react to life’s situations. When you model meaning reframing to your hypnosis client you give them a precious gift.
How do you model reframing to your hypnosis clients? Easy, just think of something ‘negative’ hat happened to you, and put a positive spin on it.
- Get a parking ticket. “It’s good to know the city is taking congestion seriously. And at least I’ve got a car!”
- Your office rent went up. “The neighborhood is improving. I should be getting a better class of client, more clients like you!
Here’s an article discussing the research. Remember, be positive!
New research shows why coaches, teachers, parents, and other role models should consider modeling how to look on the bright side: it provides both emotional and physical benefits. Via theatlantic.com
Picture courtesy of Photostock and freedigitalimages.net
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