If you’re feeling out of alignment right now, wonky from the effects of the pandemic, it’s time to learn and activate POW in your life. Here’s what they are:
- Positive = the mindset we choose to adopt in order to live our best lives
- Objective = judgement suspended, curious and interested
- Willing = ready and engaged to explore and consider
As the leader of your life, I invite you to be POW. It’s a signature concept I’ve developed in my study and work on human connection and I’ve heard over and over how people have used this simple 3-letter idea transform their lives.
It’s not enough to be open-minded, and it’s not the right thing to surround yourself with “like-minded people.” What we must do to genuinely connect with people in the world is to start with our own growth first; being POW will take you a long way toward that goal.
Seek and surround yourself with people who challenge you. Seek others who have a growth mindset with opinions and beliefs different than yours – not the ones who think exactly as you do (like-minded can easily be fixed mindset). A bunch of like-minded thinkers = lemmings. Growth will never happen in that space.
Respectfully question everything.
Growth requires room to inquire, move, bounce, flail, and groove! Growth is the result of POW. (Pro book rec: Mindset, Carol Dweck)
If you’re going to step up in your life and work today, here’s what I suggest you Try Today:
- Strengthen Your Positive Muscles: Verbally express one thing you’re grateful for each time before you eat. Keep it simple and recognize top of mind thoughts. My Fine Husband and I do this with every meal and it’s a welcome and anticipated practice we both find meaningful.
- Amp Your Objectivity: Find a resource on how to listen better with the intention to hone this critical connecting skill. I love love love Julian Treasure (.com) and his book, How To Be Heard + his TED talks are useful and he’s got a great soothing voice.
- Increase Your Willingness: Seek out an information stream that you rarely tune into and challenge yourself to listen with new ears. Listen or read for a short bit – then turn it off. With a Switzerland-style approach, ask yourself questions that promote your willingness to consider other vantage points that you haven’t before. “I wonder what [the issue] could mean to [a segment you rarely think about]?”
Lives powered by connection are fulfilling, full and wonder, and productive. Focus on being POW, try the recommended connecting practices above, open up your arms and mind to growth.
Get your copy of the Connectivity Canon here – POW is further explained in there.