Resources

Articles

SIGNPOSTS
Believe it

by Michelle Gabbe

“Whether you think you can do something or think you can’t, either way you’re probably right” – wise words from innovator Henry Ford. But, in the midst of a crisis, how can you harness the power of positive thinking?

Thoughts come first, then emotions, followed by behaviours, which feed back into more thoughts.

We know we can make ourselves feel worse, or even sick, by dwelling on a disastrous situation. Often, we have the notion that if we suffer long enough, and “stew in our own juices,” we’ll have earned the right to feel better. Stewing in your own juices is the way to describe what’s happening. Every recurring thought sends out a biochemical message to the body to do this or that. So, if you find yourself repeatedly saying, “It doesn’t matter what I eat, I can’t lose an ounce”, this tells the body to enact metabolic wizardry that will allow it to hold onto excess weight.

We’re all familiar with the effects of adrenaline, which we can call on for a blast of energy or a surge of creative brilliance. But this isn’t the only hormone at your disposal.

Oxytocin, sometimes called the hormone of love, is best known for labour induction. Scientists say its soothing, anti-stress effect speeds wound healing, diminishes pain, and counteracts sexual impotence. Your body is stimulated to produce oxytocin naturally whenever you give selflessly or feel loved, and during yoga, spiritual practice, exercise and affectionate touching of people or even pets.

One client describes nearly every work project as “an utter disaster”. And sure enough, his business is littered with crises, he has high blood pressure and gets angry whenever his employees dare to challenge his negative outlook. I ask him to derail his hopeless train of thought with phrases such as, What if I had a flash of insight around this situation? What if there were 10 solutions to this problem?

Recognising the destructive effects of negative thinking on the body, how can you switch from fearful pessimism to calm optimism in a crisis? Try these techniques.

• Breathe In the midst of overwhelming feelings and upsets, turn your attention to your breath. Breathe in for five counts, then allow the exhalation to complete itself naturally and slowly. Imagine watching the air move into your system and then back out. After 10 breaths or so, don’t be surprised if you feel a huge yawn well up and out – a good sign that negative energy is being released. You might also get a flash of insight, or a solution you hadn’t previously thought of.
• Smile Again, simple but effective. Think of someone you love who makes you laugh. Failing that, force a smile. Research has shown that even faking the facial movements that produce a smile signals the body to secrete feelgood endorphins and strengthen the immune system.
• Write Coaches often ask their clients to act as if something they desire has already happened. It’s a way of tricking the subconscious into believing that an experience can easily be repeated. So, quickly, with no editing, fill a page describing the situation: how you feel, whose fault it is, what you fear will be the outcome, and so on. Shred, or even burn, the paper. Now do the opposite. Create a second page detailing how you would like the situation to be if everything and everyone involved were perfected. You have just magnetised yourself to attract what you desire.

For those who tend to get clarity by hearing yourself talk through an issue, replace the writing process by sharing your story with a nonjudgmental, willing friend.

Michelle Gabbe is a member of the Hong Kong International Coaching Community (info@coachinghk.org)