Positivity equals productivity whether it is at work or home; it may even bring us a dose of appreciation without the intention. Research states that 9 out of 10 people say they are more productive around positive people- showing that positivity is what we as humans need for motivation just as our bodies need food. The feeling we get from a great comment or someone noticing something- even so small- is what makes us thrive in our work life- thus raising moral.
It may sound silly to think that we "need"praise, but it has been found that even the smallest amount of praise can help us to make it through the toughest of times. Get this (!)- increasing your amount of positive emotions can even extend your lifespan by 10 years! Who doesn't want that!
We, as normal beings, need 5 positive interactions to 1 negative to improve the way we work, think, and potentially giving positivity to others. A researcher, Barbara Fredrickson, has determined the following benefits to positive emotions:
They can protect us from, and undo the effects of, negative emotions
Broaden our thinking, encouraging us to discover new lines of thought or action
Produce optimal functioning in organizations and individuals
Improve the overall performance of a group
...for just a few!!
One example of this I have is from a work mate: she had asked me to assist her in a small way to allow a better flow to her system...of course who wouldn't want that, so I said I'd help. After the job was done, she wrote me a small note of encouragement and thanks. At the very bottom she wrote: "Thank you again for your help & hard work!"This note is still hanging in my work space, and is frequently glanced at- every time lifting my spirits in a way she may never realize?.
As Willie Nelson himself said: "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."
