3 Simple Ways to Have a Positive Impact
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.” -Jane Goodall
Your attitude affects your space and constantly impacts the people around you. These simple, science-backed tips will make sure you light up a room instead of dimming the bulb.
Smile
When you’re upset, there’s a reason people tell you to ‘cheer up and smile’. The muscle movements associated with coaxing your mouth into a smile spurs a chemical reaction in the brain that releases ‘feel-good’ hormones including dopamine. But showing off your pearly whites can have a positive impact on those around you as well.
If you greet someone with a smile it is likely they will smile back. The reaction takes place thanks to what brain scientists call ‘mirror neurons’. These brain cells fire to emulate the physical actions of the people that are sharing your space. Due to these neurons, smiling is contagious in the same way yawning is contagious.
So your smile has the power to brighten someone else’s day.
Create an impact intention.
Take ten minutes to consider what a positive impact means to you. Do you want to make people laugh? To motivate people towards greater productivity? Whatever your desired impact may be, it’s important to define it and write it down.
Whatever your desired impact may be, it’s important to define it and write it down.
Then you can begin to think of small actions or statements you can make throughout your day that lead towards that impact. Challenge yourself to tailor your reading and news-consumption habits towards articles that will help you achieve your goals.
Take note of your reactions.
Positivity is a reaction. During the course of a day or a few days during the week, note the times that you do not feel you are having a positive reaction in a situation. Take the time to analyze why you were not able to stay positive. Consider what you could have done to react in a more positive way.
Positivity is a reaction.
Sometimes, it may be a question of negating the worst of a reaction (during a fight or an especially frustrating situation). But sometimes, you might be able to trick yourself into more positive ‘reaction cues’, for example to laugh at an action that would usually make you scowl. This light-hearted approach will have a positive impact on others and make people more willing to engage you in honest dialogue.
If you have any experience with these suggestions, or any of your own ideas about how to make a positive impact, I would love to hear them in the comments.
