People often follow sequences of behaviour. They may follow certain patterns that result in positive or negative outcomes. Let’s consider some of these situations.
A Negative Sequence
A person may feel depressed about something they see, hear or do. They may dwell on the situation, get angry or become resentful. Whilst they know what is happening, they continue with the sequence.
They may then become more depressed or lash out at someone. This doesn’t help them or other people. They have chosen to continue the negative sequence.
People can choose to channel their energy in a positive rather than negative way. One approach is for them to take the following steps.
A Positive Sequence
A person may begin by recognising that they are on a negative path. They may then ask themselves:
“What is happening? Am following a negative sequence? What will happen if I continue on this route? What do I want to do instead?
“How can I start on a positive sequence? What are the things I can do to give myself positive feelings rather than negative feelings? How can I translate these into action?”
A person may then choose to start a positive sequence. They may do deep breathing, do something they enjoy, encourage another person, go for a walk or do another activity that give them positive energy.
Different people choose to take these steps in different ways. The keys, however, are for them:
To recognise the negative sequence and the consequences of continuing to follow this path;
To stop what they are doing, buy time to think and decide what they want to do instead;
To do something to start their positive sequence, get a quick success and continue on this path.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Can you think of a specific situation where you may want to follow a positive rather than a negative sequence? What can you do then to follow a positive sequence? What may happen as a result of taking these steps?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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