A Power Tool Created by Ken Cheung, Life Coach, Leadership Coach, CHINA
The Three Aspects of Positive Cycle vs. Negative Cycle
In reality, outcomes often influence subsequent actions, leading to either positive cycles, where beneficial outcomes reinforce each other, or negative cycles, where negative effects continue to escalate. Whether a cycle ends up positive or negative depends on the client’s perspective. This power tool encompasses three aspects: perspective, action, and reinforcement.
Positive Cycle vs. Negative Cycle Definition
Negative Cycle:
Rationale:
Negative cycles generate detrimental consequences that worsen over time. They are often triggered by negative emotions or perceptions. These negative feelings lead to improper or negative actions, worsening the outcome. Furthermore, the unexpected outcome reinforces the negative feelings of the client. As negative effects accumulate, they create pressure that amplifies the cycle’s negativity.
Example:
For instance, when a company introduces a new system, most employees may be unfamiliar with it and resistant to change. They hold a negative perception of the tool, which becomes associated with negativity. As they struggle to use the tool, they complain about it, further reinforcing their negative feelings. Eventually, the project failed due to the accumulated negative cycle.
Positive Cycle:
Rationale:
Positive cycles create a self-reinforcing pattern that generates beneficial outcomes. They are often triggered by a positive attitude or mindset. This positive mindset leads to proactive and positive actions, resulting in positive outcomes. The positive outcome then reinforces the client’s positive attitude, initiating a positive loop. As positive effects accumulate, they create momentum that amplifies the cycle’s positivity.
Example:
For example, when an employee submits a report to their manager and receives numerous questions and requests for clarification, they choose to view it positively. They take a proactive approach, aiming to be well-prepared for the next submission and even challenging themselves to have zero questions from their manager. As a result, they receive an excellent comment from their manager. This positive feedback motivates them to perform even better on their next assignment, creating an upward spiral of positivity.
Methodology:
The power tool of the positive cycle vs. the negative cycle incorporates two aspects: perspective and action.
Perspective:
As mentioned earlier, whether a cycle becomes positive or negative depends on the initial trigger. To avoid negative cycles, a positive mindset or attitude is necessary. Helping clients shift their perspective from negative to positive is key to triggering a positive cycle.
Action:
Without action, the cycling mechanism cannot begin. Therefore, action is the second aspect of this power tool. Developing an actionable plan to move forward and initiate the cycle is crucial.
Reinforcement:
Once an action is taken, the resulting outcome further reinforces the original perspective or feeling. This reinforcement continuously drives the positive cycle, leading to increasingly positive outcomes. It serves as a catalyst for the power tool’s effectiveness.
Implications:
Understanding positive and negative cycles has significant implications for various aspects of a person’s life. Positive cycles can be harnessed to foster personal growth, development, and social progress. By identifying and reinforcing positive cycles, individuals can cultivate virtuous cycles that promote well-being and success. Are you ready to embrace the power of positive cycles?