We tend to have an interest in looking into our patterns and behaviors when we are looking to “fix” something that is broken. When we go to the doctor we are looking for a remedy- something that will take us from being sick back to feeling “just normal.” When people are depressed they see a therapist, when people are preforming poorly at work, they bring in management and coaching.
But what happens when we are flourishing? Shouldn’t we talk to people who are
full of energy,
full of passion,
full of excitement?
Why do we not question these people? These are the people I want to talk to! I want to know what their secret is, and chances are, they do too! Because once we know WHY they are flourishing, what it was that put them in that state, we can begin to replicate those experiences, continue to put that person in those situations, and keep them on their dance floor!
Chip and Dan Heath, in their book Switch, discuss their interest in looking at “bright spots”. They define bright spots as successful efforts worth emulating. This means instead of looking at things that are broken and how to fix them, they look at things that are awesome, and how to replicate them. When I read this book about a year ago, I was struck by the simplicity and genius in this.
My manager, Mark (another author here), noticed my enthusiasm was uniquely high over the past two days. My energy was up, my eyes were shining, and I was moving quickly and with passion. And Mark asked me a really important question, “What has put you in such a good place these last two days?” And my answer? “I have zero idea.”
So now I begin another piece of my development process… what is different when I am at my best? Do I get more sleep? Do I eat better? What types of people do I surround myself with- what do those interactions look like?
As I start to pay attention to my “bright spots” I urge you to also attempt to find your patterns of healthy, energetic moments. Document them, write them down, recreate them. Who knows what you will discover about yourself!
Please feel free to share the bright spots in your days and how you have found ways to prolong those moments, experiences, or emotions!
