3 Keys for Coaching to Think Intentionally Part 2

Part 2 of the 3 part series: Ideal Components of Proactive Intentional Thinking

In the first part of this series, the focus was on what tends to happen with our thoughts and words and the power this has in our life. Now the focus is on what is important to understand and do for positive thinking. The coaching client understands how important their thoughts are, so the next step for them is perspective on proactive, intentional thinking.

Do you remember when you were a child and went to the swimming pool? The lifeguards said, “don’t run” and you heard “run.” Now the lifeguards say, “walk please.” Your brain does not process in the negative, which means when you say “don’t forget” your brain processes “forget.”

1. Do say what you do want.

Think about a crisis situation at work. Consider what people talk about: “Who said it?” “Who did it?” “Whose fault is it?” What is accomplished? The focus is on finger pointing and a lot of churning about the problem. Change the questions: What is the situation now? What do we want or need it to be? What are the action steps to get there? How can this problem be prevented in the future? Now consider what could and would be accomplished – the development of a solution and forward movement.

2. Focus on solutions and desired outcomes.

Is it possible to change what has already happened? Does it sometimes seem that something in the future is, quite simply, in the future? The present is where we function. By thinking and speaking in the moment, the power and the impact expand naturally. Because our thoughts and words influence our feelings and actions, it makes sense that using positive, forward-thinking terms enhances success.

3. Use present tense, positive, proactive language in your thoughts and words.

The concepts seem simple and easy. It does take time to change thought process, and it takes time to change how we talk. For now, start with keeping these three keys front and center. In the next blog post a list of three concrete action steps moves the process of proactive, intentional thinking to the next level.