The term Positive Intelligence or PQ refers to one’s ability to conquer mental saboteurs.

Saboteurs are mind patterns that we tend to have habitually. When reading the definitions below, take note of those that particularly resonate with you.

Judge – you find fault always with yourself, others, and the situations you find yourself in

Avoider – you focus on the positive and avoid difficult situations or conflict at all costs

Controller – you need to take charge and control of all situations

Hyper-Achiever – you are a consistent and constant high performer

Hyper-Rational – you focus on rationalizing everything

Hyper Vigilant – you are anxious about surrounding dangers and the potential of what could go wrong

Pleaser – you try to gain acceptance by pleasing, helping, and flattering others

Restless – you are in constant search of greater excitement or need to be always busy

Stickler – you need perfection, order, and organization

Victim – you focus on negative feelings and painful situations

Saboteur Solutions

Our saboteurs are exhausting; however, the good news is that you can train yourself to pick up on them as they are occurring. To look at situations differently and with more positivity, to diminish your saboteurs, try:

• Having an open mind and explore a situation with curiosity
• Empathizing and focus on bringing compassion and understanding to any situation
• Being innovative, bring new perspectives and out-of-the-box solutions to solve a problem
• Choosing a path that is aligned with your values and personal mission
• Take decisive action without getting caught up in your saboteurs’ idiosyncrasies

When you recognize that your saboteurs are in play, to make the shift, you can simply try one of the three methods below for 10 seconds to help you regain focus:

• Take three focused breathes, a little more deeply than the other
• Listen to the sounds around you and focus on the noise that is the furthest away, and then that of which is the closest to you
• Feel each of your fingertips by rubbing them against one another

Challenge 1

I encourage you to monitor your thoughts for three hours and categorize them into how they make you feel, whether it be neutral, useful, or negative. When you can identify your thoughts and their impact on your performance, you can then implement specific strategies to shift your behaviour.

Challenge 2

Step 1. Think of one recent or current business challenge that is causing you distress.

Step 2. Come up with three scenarios as to how you could turn this situation into a ‘gift’ or opportunity for the company.

*If you are stuck with this challenge and can’t manage to see the situation as a gift, focus on letting it go and putting it behind you.

If you are interested in learning about how professional development or executive coaching can help support your leadership or your leadership team, please reach out to askme@jennyreilly.com to schedule a convenient time for a complimentary strategy session.

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