I am…
I've spent a lot of my professional life working for academic institutions, and a number of my family members are academics. I'm accustomed to analytical types. I remember thinking that the notion of being your own worst critic was a good thing, something that indicated rigor, analysis, and holding oneself to a high standard. While I have nothing against maintaining high standards, I have recently learned a more nuanced understanding of the inner critics many of us carry. Sometimes these critics are not so helpful after all! This past winter I completed a seven-week class on Positive Intelligence, the program of mental fitness training led by Shirzad Chamine. While one blog post cannot possibly cover all of this program's usefulness, there's one activity I’d like to share that might help in a career search. It's a way to remind yourself of your essence.
Unless childhood was a traumatic period in your life, find a photo of yourself from an early age. Shirzad suggests choosing a photo from age 10 or younger. Find a photo that you like and that evokes happy memories. Spend some time focusing on that photo and describing to yourself who you are. Do this in a discerning, not judging, way. I am joyful. I am strong. Not, I am not sure why I had that haircut. You get the idea. Write these "I am" statements down and save them. As often as you need to, take a look at that photo and remember your essence. I actually placed my younger self photo on my printer so I could see it casually throughout the day. You may be surprised how much this exercise helps quiet the negative voices you hear sometimes. You are enough, just as you are, even with a questionable hairstyle at age 5.
Positive Intelligence is based on three components: building up self-command (keeping the brain out of survival mode and in thrive mode), weakening saboteurs (we all have them, no matter our backgrounds), and strengthening sage powers (empathy, explore, innovate, navigate, activate). Increasing mental fitness takes some effort, and the PQ program is backed by scientific research. You strengthen your neural pathways through PQ reps, similar to exercises someone might do in a gym to strengthen their core. The idea (and the science behind it) is that by building up the neural pathways in the positive emotion parts of our brain, we strengthen our mental fitness. To fully develop your PQ, check out Shirzad's course or his book. I've added PQ reps to my daily routine now, and I'm a better coach and a happier human because of it.
