Tips for Constructive Framing to Achieve Positive Results

Most people drown in negativity without realizing it's their focus that's pulling them under. Let's shift the tide. Here's how focusing on the positive can actually change your reality: 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: Ever wonder why a bad day gets worse? (It's about where your attention goes.) Shift it, and you shift everything. Focus on solutions, not problems. This mindset shift opens doors to positivity and growth. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Caught in a negative loop? Time to rewire: • Catch negative thoughts early • Challenge them with positive spins • Reinforce with positive affirmations Small shifts lead to big changes. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗠𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 In previous attempts at entrepreneurship, I was entangled in negativity and doubt. It stifled my growth. Realizing my focus was the key, I chose positivity. Superpower unlocked: Energy flows where attention goes. That shift alone has catapulted my growth with Brain Apes (not to mention my personal happiness too). 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Turn intention into daily habits: • Celebrate small wins • Start your day with gratitude • Surround yourself with uplifting people Your environment shapes your outlook. (This really matters). 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: I had a client who focused only on the negatives. Everything always seemed stained with lack. They were the constraint. After a few bad hires that nearly crippled their business, they realized, they were actually the bad hirer. I shifted their lens to learning and progress. Their business didn't just recover; it flourished. Their focus rewrote their story. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Being present is key to positive focus. • Practice regular mindfulness • Embrace each moment as it comes • Tune into the now, not past or future worries Presence anchors positivity. Tip: It's impossible to angry and grateful at the same time. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗼: Question your habitual thoughts. • Why am I thinking this? • Is there a positive angle? • Would I care about this when I'm 90? • How can this thought serve me better? Questioning leads to growth. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀, 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Understand this: Your focus shapes your future. Imagine every action and inaction throws a lasso, grabbing and pulling a future toward yourself. Be intentional. Focus on growth, positivity, and possibilities. Watch your reality transform to match it. 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. Start today. Your journey to a more positive and successful life is just a mindset shift away. The law of attraction is predicated on the law of intention and law of action. How you see the world shapes the world around you. ↓ ♻️ Hit that repost button and follow Brain Apes for more. ↓ What’s your take on tactical positivity? 💬 Tell me below. ↓

Raise The Bar Leadership Coach Niels Gott is redefining the stereotype Minnesota Nice to instead be "Minnesota Positive", as Niels is positively passionate about helping people find more awe in the world and in their work. During his 22 years of military service, Niels was introduced to positive psychology through the roll-out of Master Resilience Training; he is now in the final stages of completing a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) degree. Niels loves to explore new ways of working that focus on unlocking a team's potential. He shares a simple tip that a lot of leaders don’t think of but can have a profound impact on the team atmosphere. "Active Constructive Responding (ACR) is a communication technique that amplifies the good stuff," says Niels. "At its core, ACR is about responding to someone's positive news in a way that is enthusiastic, supportive, and encouraging. When a team member shares a success or a happy moment, how you respond can either amplify their joy or deflate their spirits."   "Leaders who practice ACR foster a culture of positivity and collaboration. By showing genuine interest and asking questions about the positive event, you not only validate the individual's experience but also encourage them to savor their achievements. This not only boosts morale but also strengthens team bonds and increases overall job satisfaction."   "Research has shown that ACR is linked to better well-being and higher relationship quality, making it a crucial skill for leaders aiming to build resilient and high-performing teams. When leaders consistently respond to good news actively and constructively, they lay the groundwork for a supportive environment where team members feel valued and understood."   Incorporate Active Constructive Responding into your leadership toolkit, advises Niels. Celebrate wins, big or small, with enthusiasm. Ask engaging questions about your team's successes and express confidence in their abilities. By doing so, you'll not only uplift your team but also inspire a ripple effect of positivity that can lead to greater innovation, collaboration, and success. "Remember, the way you respond to good news can be just as impactful as how you handle challenges. Choose to be a catalyst for joy and watch your team thrive!" What a fantastic tip that can be a game changer for your leadership and team! As with many of our Raise The Bar team members, Niels enjoys being outdoors and being active. And he has be known to enjoy the occasional dip in Lake Michigan! I'm grateful to have Niels on the team and the impact he's had on our client leaders! Feel free to share your stories about how Niels has impacted you. #newworldofwork #coachingleadership #positivepsychology #futureofwork Travis Levers, Lieven Somers, Oscar Henriquez, Garrett Ahn

Most leaders are wonderful human-beings. They are loving and caring leaders that want what's best for their employees. Most leaders I work with inspire me to be a better man, husband, father and leader. At the same time, nearly every leader has bouts of self-doubt. This is part of our human condition. In fact, many leaders I work with attribute their success to their Hyper-Achiever tendencies. Here is how we try to work to stay in an achievement mindset while being kind to ourselves in the process. We focus on accepting that we are constantly growing and learning, and every experience, whether perceived as success or failure, is an opportunity for growth and improvement. In Positive Intelligence (PQ) language, this is a Sage perspective. This Sage perspective shifts our perspective from a judgmental and self-critical mindset to one of continuous growth and empowerment. By embracing the idea that every experience, regardless of its outcome, contributes to our personal and professional development, we can cultivate resilience, self-confidence, and a positive outlook on life. Here's how we can reinforce this belief: Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of being overly critical of ourselves, let's practice self-compassion and kindness. Treat ourselves with the same understanding and support that we would offer to a friend facing a similar situation. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Shift our focus from perfectionism to progress. Celebrate our achievements and the progress we've made, no matter how small. Recognize that setbacks and challenges are natural parts of the learning process. We like to teach that the pursuit of perfection is noble and the expectation of perfection is insane. Learn from Every Experience: Approach every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on both our successes and failures, extracting valuable lessons and insights that can inform our future actions and decisions. Challenge Negative Self-Talk: When we catch ourselves engaging in negative self-talk or self-doubt, challenge those thoughts with evidence of our past successes and our potential for growth. Replace self-limiting beliefs with empowering affirmations that reinforce our ability to overcome challenges. We like to teach....Spot, Stop, Swap or Recognize, Rest, Rewire. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset, believing that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. Embrace challenges as opportunities to stretch our skills and expand our capabilities. Seek Support and Feedback: Surround ourselves with mentors, coaches, or trusted friends who can offer guidance, perspective, and encouragement along our journey. A great mantra/affirmation might be, "I am constantly growing and learning, and every experience, whether perceived as success or failure, is an opportunity for growth and improvement." How does your Hyper-Achiever help/hurt you?

What you say doesn’t matter. How you say it does. Every founder hits hard moments: Runway’s low. A client churns. A VC says, “you’re too early.” These facts can feel like setbacks. But there’s a skill that transforms how others respond to them: Framing. Framing is the mental lens you choose. It’s telling the truth in a way that invites belief, not doubt. ✔️ Panic becomes urgency ✔️ Setbacks become momentum ✔️ Doubt becomes clarity When you master framing, investors lean in. Teams feel motivated. And even rejection becomes a doorway to progress. Here are 10 framing tricks that change everything: 1. Low runway? Or smart urgency? ❌ “We only have $50K left.” ✅ “We still have 2 months of runway to close our next round.” 2. Lost a client? Or made room to grow? ❌ “We lost a big client.” ✅ “We’ve cleared space to focus on ideal customers and recurring revenue.” 3. Too early? Or perfectly positioned? ❌ “We’re too early for VCs.” ✅ “We’re ready for early believers who want to shape the next category leader.” 4. Not profitable? Or growth-focused? ❌ “We’re not profitable yet.” ✅ “We’re investing aggressively to dominate before scaling profitably.” 5. Small market? Or wedge play? ❌ “The market is small right now.” ✅ “We’re capturing a niche with exponential expansion potential.” 6. No traction? Or validation-in-progress? ❌ “We don’t have traction yet.” ✅ “We’ve validated the problem and are launching a paid beta to test pricing.” 7. Competitor ahead? Or free R&D? ❌ “Our competitor is ahead of us.” ✅ “They’re paving the way, and we’re learning from their mistakes.” 8. Small raise? Or high efficiency? ❌ “We only raised $100K.” ✅ “We’ve achieved all this with just $100K. Imagine what we’ll do with a proper round.” 9. Bugs? Or user-led iteration? ❌ “Our product is still buggy.” ✅ “Early users are helping shape what they’ll love long-term.” 10. Small team? Or high ownership? ❌ “The team is small.” ✅ “We’re lean, fast, and every team member owns real outcomes.” Framing doesn’t change your facts. It changes how your facts are perceived. What’s one challenge you can reframe like that? Share it below. ⬇️ --------------------------------------- Want to qualify for VC funding?  Get your free Funding Scorecard from my Featured section.

It would be remiss of us to attempt to optimize motivation without also examining the belief system that feeds the decisions, choices and actions we make on a daily basis. #lessonoftheday The myth is that motivation is a “feeling”, the fact is that motivation is a decision, or reason why. However many of us experience anxiety to some degree that affects our ability to make decisions. We get trapped in indecision and make no decision at all… The key is to dissect the underlying mechanism of the motivation… “the motivation for the motivation”. For example if I have a belief system that aims to protect and preserve my well being, then I would be less likely to take the risk associated with reaching my goals, or even setting goals in the first place. This disparity leads us to believe we are unmotivated when in actuality we are misaligned. Our belief system does not align with our goals. So we will always be swimming upstream or feeling stuck. How do we overcome? Reframe. Retrain. Repeat. 1) Reframe: what is my belief now? What do I want to believe? For example, “threat of loss is twice as scary as any gain”. Flip it to believe that “even loss can be gain because my focus is growth not outcome.” 2) Retrain: monitor self talk, and implement phrases that support new operating system. Challenge old thought patterns with new ones that feel counterintuitive, but will lead to productive change. 3) Repetition: no change happens overnight, more than likely the belief system occurred out of an adaptation to a perceived negative experience. So it takes time and reps to change any pathway and form new pathways. Be patient and don’t expect sudden changes. Granted these methods are fluid, taking into account personality, environment and trait or state anxiety factors is also essential…. It is ideal to work with a professional for best results! #motivation #mindset #performancepsychology #optimization #corebeliefs #mentalhealth #motivationmindset

In sales, we're often faced with criticism and negativity. But here's a powerful perspective shift that can change the game: what if these challenges are actually gateways to growth and success? When we encounter criticism in the sales world, it's easy to fall into the trap of taking it personally. However, embracing a principle from the world of personal development, we understand that our reaction to these situations shapes our reality. 📌The Law of Attraction in Action: Rather than viewing criticism as a setback, see it as an opportunity to attract positive outcomes. Each challenging interaction is a chance to practice patience, empathy, and understanding. By responding positively, you're not only enhancing your professional relationships but also attracting more positive experiences in your career. 📌The Power of Visualization: Before stepping into a sales interaction, visualize a successful and harmonious exchange. This practice aligns your subconscious mind with the outcome you desire, preparing you to handle any situation with grace and professionalism. 📌Reacting vs. Responding: In the face of criticism, take a moment to pause. This isn't just a break in conversation; it's a deliberate choice to shift from reacting instinctively to responding thoughtfully. This approach mirrors the idea that we can control our reactions to external events, thereby shaping our professional journey. 📌Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Each criticism or negative feedback is a stepping stone to better your approach, refine your strategies, and develop resilience. Embrace these moments as vital feedback, guiding you towards excellence and success. Remember, in sales, your mindset and reactions are powerful tools. They not only dictate your immediate interactions but also sculpt the trajectory of your career. By adopting a mindset of growth, positivity, and proactive response, you're setting yourself up for a thriving and fulfilling career in sales. #SalesMindset #GrowthThroughChallenges #PositiveOutcomes #MindsetShift #ProfessionalDevelopment

Challenging Your Limiting Beliefs: 5 Tips on Unlocking More Potential Have you ever wondered how your beliefs shape your life and limit your potential for growth and success? We all have limiting beliefs, those deeply ingrained thoughts and perspectives that hold us back from realizing our true potential. But what if we could challenge and overcome these beliefs to unlock new possibilities? Here are some strategies to help you question and overcome your limiting beliefs: ✔ Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your beliefs and identify those that may be holding you back. Ask yourself why you hold these beliefs and whether they are based on facts or assumptions. ✔ Seek Feedback: Reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues for feedback on your beliefs. External perspectives can shed light on blind spots and help you see things from a different angle. ✔ Examine Evidence: Evaluate the evidence that supports or contradicts your beliefs. Are there real-life examples that challenge your existing beliefs? Positive Affirmations: Replace limiting beliefs with positive affirmations. ✔ Affirmations can help rewire your thinking and create a more empowering belief system. ✔ Embrace Growth Mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as barriers. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement can help challenge limiting beliefs. ✔ Visualize Success: Visualize yourself breaking free from your limiting beliefs and achieving your goals. Visualization can help reframe your mindset and strengthen your belief in your potential. Remember, questioning and challenging your limiting beliefs is a powerful step for personal and professional growth! 💪 #LimitingBeliefs #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

Overcoming Negative Self-Talk: Reframing Your Thoughts and Empowering Yourself "Negative self-talk can be a significant barrier to our personal growth and happiness. When we constantly criticize ourselves or doubt our abilities, it holds us back from reaching our full potential. One contributing factor to negative self-talk is limiting beliefs, which are deeply ingrained assumptions about ourselves and the world around us. However, it is possible to break free from these patterns and cultivate a more positive mindset. Here are some practical strategies to help you overcome negative self-talk and embrace a more empowering perspective. Meditate for mindfulness: Dedicate time to meditation and mindfulness practices. Engaging in regular meditation helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and gain clarity. It allows you to observe negative thoughts without attaching to them and cultivates a more peaceful and positive state of mind. Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This simple act shifts your focus from negativity to appreciation, helping you recognize your strengths and the positive aspects of your life. Challenge limiting beliefs: Identify the negative thoughts and beliefs that hold you back. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support these beliefs and consider alternative perspectives. Harness the power of affirmations: Create positive affirmations that reinforce your strengths, capabilities, and potential. Repeat these affirmations daily to reprogram your mind and build self-confidence. For example, say, "I am capable of achieving great things" or "I am deserving of success." Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize that progress is a journey, and every step forward is worth celebrating. This practice boosts your self-esteem and encourages a positive outlook. Surround yourself with positivity: Seek out sources of inspiration, whether through uplifting books, motivational podcasts, or supportive individuals. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice mindfulness or meditation, and ensure you get enough rest and relaxation. When you prioritize self-care, you cultivate a positive mindset and resilience. Visualize success and set goals: Create a clear vision of what you want to achieve and visualize yourself succeeding. Set realistic and achievable goals that align with your aspirations. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps to stay focused and motivated. Seek support: Remember, you don't have to face your challenges alone. Reach out to a professional coach or therapist. You have the ability to shape your mindset and create a positive and fulfilling life. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, and believe in your innate capabilities. You deserve to live a life filled with self-belief, joy, and success.

Understanding Your Potential — Summary and Key Points: - Self-Understanding: Reflect on who you are and how you have arrived at your current state. This awareness is the foundation of personal growth. - Emotional Control: Preserve your peace and clarity by allowing others to misunderstand you without reacting. This conserves your energy and focus. - Resilience Against Negativity: Just as a ship stays afloat by keeping water out, you can stay positive by not letting external negativity sink you. - Mental Strength: Success comes from having a mind that is smoother, stronger and more controlled than your emotions. Practical Applications: 1. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: - Practice Daily Meditation: Set aside time each day to meditate. This helps in understanding your thoughts and feelings, reducing stress by 20% and enhancing emotional health (Goyal et al., 2014). - Journaling: Write about your experiences and feelings to clarify your thoughts and track your personal growth. 2. Managing External Opinions: - Selective Attention: Focus on constructive feedback and ignore unnecessary criticism. This helps maintain emotional well-being (Gross, 2002). - Developing Inner Peace: Engage in activities like yoga or nature walks that foster inner peace and improve emotional regulation. 3. Building Mental Strength: - Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT): Use CBT to challenge and change negative thought patterns. CBT is effective in building mental resilience, with a 75% success rate in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hofmann et al., 2012). - Positive Affirmations: Repeating positive statements about yourself daily can strengthen your mindset, improve self-esteem, and enhance your outlook. A Couple of Case Studies: 1. Mindfulness in the Workplace: - Google's "Search Inside Yourself" Program: Google implemented a mindfulness program resulting in employees reporting 37% higher levels of emotional intelligence and productivity (Tan, 2012). 2. Resilience Training in Schools: - Penn Resiliency Program (PRP): This program teaches students cognitive-behavioral and social problem-solving skills, significantly reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety by 30% (Seligman et al., 2009). — Online photos:

Is it really that bad? Our perspectives can become our worst enemy. They limit our ability to see possibilities and solve problems creatively. Is your boss really that bad? Is that peer really trying to sabotage you? Is your team really not producing? Or is your perception leading you astray? The hard truth is that you cannot actually change another person. But what you can change is your perspective. Our perspectives are not fixed. Changing your perspective can unlock new opportunities for personal growth. ☝🏼Challenge your assumptions: Unconscious biases cloud our judgment. Question your assumptions about situations, people, and even yourself. Seek out diverse viewpoints to challenge your own and gain a broader understanding of situations. Start a spreadsheet. Write down your assumptionin column 1, then fill in 3 more columns with alternatives. Where do you stand now? ✌🏼Embrace the power of "what if?" Curiosity is a key driver of growth. Instead of accepting things at face value, ask yourself "what if?". What if I did that thing I've been putting off? What if I declined that useless meeting? What if I got to know that person? Explore an alternate action than what you would usually do. ✌🏼+☝🏼 Step outside your comfort zone: Broaden your horizon and challenge existing perspectives. See how that feels. Expose yourself to new ideas and ways of thinking. Cancel your regular 1-1s and go meet with 5 people you don't normally talk to. Go to that meet up you think would be awkward. ✌🏼+✌🏼 Be grateful: A grateful outlook creates a positive mindset, which is key to seeing possibilities instead of obstacles. Reflect on the things that are going well, both big and small. Being grateful opens you up to new opportunities and fuels optimism. ✌🏼+✌🏼+☝🏼Find inspiration: Put yourself around individuals that are creative, thought-provoking, and challenge your perception. Allow yourself to be inspired to spark new ideas and bring about a new perspective. Use inspiration to fuel motivation. Now get started. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 #leadership