High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset - 408: The Positivity Ratio to Thrive

Episode Date: February 17, 2021

Dr. Cindra Kamphoff talks about in this episode about the importance of looking for the opportunity even in the most difficult situations. When we experience 3 to 1 empowering emotions we thrive, hence looking for the opportunity is essential to our health, happiness and performance. In the workplace, we should strive for closer to a 6 to 1 ratio to build a high-performing team which we discuss.  Power Phrase this Week: “I choose empowering emotions and a positive perspective today.”    Quote of the Week: Christopher Reeve, said “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserver and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”    

Hi friends, my name is Dr. Sindra Kampoff, a national leader in the field of sport and performance psychology. Every week I'm on the local radio sharing my top tips on exactly how to develop the mindset of the world's best, so you can accomplish all your dreams. Get ready for a jammed, packed episode focused on practical tips to help you get after your goals and step out of your comfort zone. Let's go. Time to check in with Dr. Sindhara Kampoff. The positivity ratio to thrive is what we're

talking about. And Dr. Kampoff, what's our quote for today? This is a quote by Christopher Reeve. He said, a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Overwhelming obstacles. So what is it exactly that we're talking about? Well, we're talking about Chris Reeves. And, you know, he's best known for his leading role in Superman. And when I was growing up, I had heard about his equestrian accident that left him paralyzed. But I recently heard about his reaction to it.

And when he was asked, you know, how he was doing after the accident, he actually said, I've never been happier in my life, and I wouldn't change a thing. And he talked about how he was discovering a new purpose in his life, which was investing in helping people gain awareness of like spinal injuries. So how does Christopher Reeve's story relate to the positivity ratio that we're talking about? Well, when Well, even as I describe his story, I think the power of it is that even though he was paralyzed, he could see the good that was coming from the experience and very quickly, in fact. And I think he's a good example of looking for the positive and the silver lining in any difficulty. And when we do that, not only are

we happier, but actually our performance increases when we feel more positive emotions throughout our day. And we can, you know, work to find these positive emotions, even in difficulties. And you might think positive, you know, maybe this is just about feeling good. But it's not just about feeling good, because when we're feeling more positive emotions, we're actually more creative, more innovative, we experience more success, we're less likely to quit. And I think we can cope with all the changes in our world better. So what's the ratio of positive to negative emotions that's ideal for us? Yeah, good question, Lisa. The actual research shows that the positivity ratio for like us to thrive is three empowering emotions for one disempowering emotion.

And I think what's really fascinating is in the workplace is actually more. So there was a study done by Marshall Musato who looked at like management teams and they found that the high performing teams actually had a six to one ratio. So that means like they were saying six positive things for every one negative thing. And the low performing teams actually had the opposite. It was like three negative to one positive. And so I think what's interesting about that is as leaders are listening, it's like to take that in. That's a lot, right?

And I think that's empowering to think about that you can actually impact performance just by the kind of feedback that you give. So the ratio isn't three to zero. So what's the role of the negative emotions then? Right, and even in the feedback, it's not zero. And I think that's important because we can't ignore the negative. And you might, as you're listening, think,

well, you're interpreting the word positive as the opposite of negative or absence of negative emotions. But I think you have to be careful about that because that feeling and thinking can really keep us trapped. So, you know, there is a place for negative emotions like grief and sadness, for example. Negative emotions are essential for our survival. They can actually initiate change and growth. And sometimes they can be a springboard for our grit. They're crucial in adverse situations.

But we just want to make sure that the negative doesn't outweigh the positive. So do you have a final point for us today? Yeah. I would say, Lisa, the key is just not to get stuck in these negative or disempowering emotions. And as a woman named Susan David, would they be emotionally agile? Because these negative emotions, when we feel them consistently, don't help us think in an innovative way or be creative or help us feel good or make sound decisions in our life or in our business. Sandra, can you summarize for us today? Sure. I would say we can follow Christopher Reeve's mindset and look for the opportunity, even in the most difficult situations. And when we thrive,

we experience a three to one ratio. In the workplace, we want to strive for even more, a six to one if we really want to build a high performing team. You always leave us with a power phrase to help take us through the week. What is that? I would say it's this this week, I choose empowering emotions and a positive perspective today. How do people get in touch with you if they want more information about your work? Sure, you can go over to drcindra.com and this is the type of thing

that I speak to businesses and teams about virtually or in person and coach around so you can learn more information there. Cindra Kampoff, thank you so much for joining us. Thanks, Lisa, I appreciate it. Way to go for finishing another episode of the High Performance Mindset. I'm giving you a virtual fist pump. Holy cow, did that go by way too fast for anyone else? If you want more, remember to

subscribe and you can head over to Dr. Sindra for show notes and to join my exclusive community for high performers where you get access to videos about mindset each week. So again, you can head over to Dr. Sindra. That's D-R-C-I-N-D-R-A dot com. See you next week.