So far we have taken a relatively narrow view of the benefit of directing our focus on movement and performance. For the next two blogs, I would like to expand on that and look at (re-) focusing strategies with a wider lens – that of a particular life situation we are finding ourselves in. It seems to me, that sadly, our environment often cues us to focus on what is wrong – advertising, education, healthcare, just to name a few. These are too often geared to tell us what is not right or needs to be fixed. Look at any advert that screams “get rid of” this or that, open a workbook of a student to see mistakes marked or look at a typical letter from a health professional where the primary focus is “injury” or “disease”.
In all of this it is easy to lose sight of the good things in our life – our achievements and positive social connections included. In addition, it is all too easy to lose sight of what we are good at. An illustration I like to give when working with clients who might only think about all the negative aspects of an injury or of chronic illness, is what is known as the Ebbinghaus illusion. A circle surrounded by larger circles appears smaller compared to a circle surrounded by smaller circles. Focusing on what is not possible (surrounding circles) makes what is possible (centre circle) appear small, whereas focusing on what is possible (centre circle) and paying relatively less attention to what is not (surrounding circles) highlights the infinite possibilities – despite adversity.
There are several traditions in science that have theorised about the benefit of re-focusing on strengths including “strength psychology”, the “strength perspective” in social work, “positive psychology” and “salutogenesis” or the study of origins of health focusing on enablers of good health rather than disease. Numerous studies show that learning gratitude at a young age increases life satisfaction, optimism and prosocial behaviour. Focusing on hope in schools through coaching can decrease anxiety and depression in senior students. Similar results have been found in studies on wellbeing and mental health in adults, while “positive leadership” may increase team members’ growth experience and trust. With regard to potential benefits of positive psychology interventions on physical health, there is still a lot more research to be done, but there are some promising studies showing pain intensity in people living with chronic pain may be reduced through refocusing (see circles above). How amazing is that?
To reset the focus, some simple everyday actions you can take, as a human being who cares for others and yourself is to:
- remind people around you (young or old, close to you or not) of the good things you see in them
- work to remind yourself of your strengths on a regular basis
- focus on the positive aspects, or the learning out of a difficult situation, when in a negative frame of mind
- take stock for yourself: write a short summary about who you were as a person in the past, who you are now and what you would like your future to look like – identify personal strengths in each of these summaries and utilise those to think about your past and present and work toward your fantastic future
- create a reverse bucket list: Write down all the things you have accomplished/all the things you are proud of in your life already.
If you are keen to learn more about how your focus, or where and how you pay attention, impacts on your movement over the next couple of months, keep an eye on this spot, follow me or subscribe to the blogpost. To work with me one-on-one to apply some of these principles to your own life and movement, message me for a free call. I look forward to hearing from you.
References (for the extra keen)
Brooks (2023)
Carr et al. (2020)
Braunwalder et al. (2022)
Malinga et al. (2019)
Mittelmark et al. (2017)
Seligman (2019)