Stop thinking positive, start thinking neutral

The stepping stones to emotional freedom are easier than you think

Hey there, everyone! If you're anything like me, you've been bombarded with messages that tell you to "stay positive" and "keep a good attitude." While there's a lot of value in optimism, today I want to introduce you to a game-changing concept that has deeply influenced my understanding of emotional well-being: Neutral Thinking.

What is Neutral Thinking, Anyway?

Neutral thinking is the epitome of emotional pragmatism. It doesn't advocate dismissing emotions; rather, it pushes for a balanced, unbiased evaluation of what's happening around you. Trevor Moawad, a renowned mental conditioning expert and author of "It Takes What It Takes," is one of the key voices in this area. He argues that neutral thinking helps individuals and teams to perform better by removing the emotional charge from situations and focusing on the actionable steps that can be taken.

The Pitfalls of Over-Positivity and Negativity

Before diving into neutral thinking, I was a die-hard optimist. But I quickly learned the downside: setting sky-high expectations often leads to crushing disappointments. On the flip side, being overly negative can trap you in a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

The Subtle Power of "Feeling a Little Better"

Now, you might wonder what this has to do with feeling 'a little better' instead of achieving your dream emotional state. Well, let's be real. Emotional states are complex. They exist on a continuum, and trying to make a massive leap from, say, sadness to euphoria is often impractical. Instead, small shifts, like going from feeling sad to feeling 'less sad,' can be significant. They're the stepping stones that make the path towards emotional freedom not only manageable but also more realistic.

Why Salespeople and Leaders Should Embrace Neutral Thinking

In my role as a Sales and Process Consultant, I've found that neutral thinking is a treasure trove of benefits. By setting aside my emotional biases when assessing clients' needs or making pitches, I'm far more effective. Leaders, too, can use this approach to make more calculated, balanced decisions, impacting team dynamics positively.

Practical Steps to Adopt Neutral Thinking

1. Acknowledge Where You Are: The first step is always to recognize your current emotional state.

2. Be Objective: Look at your situation from a facts-based viewpoint. What can you do right now to improve it?

3. Small Steps, Big Gains: The aim is not to overhaul your emotional state overnight but to make incremental progress.

4. Keep Re-evaluating: As you experience different emotional states, keep applying a neutral lens for continued improvement.

Want to Go Deeper?

For those who want to take a deep dive into this topic, I highly recommend reading Trevor Moawad's book, "It Takes What It Takes," or watching his many interviews and talks available online. Another voice in this field is Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist, who talks extensively about the power of neutral thinking in high-stakes environments.

Final Thoughts

My journey into the world of neutral thinking has been enlightening, to say the least. While the dazzle of extreme positivity can be tempting, I've found that neutral thinking offers a more sustainable, grounded pathway to emotional well-being.

So, here's my encouragement to you: take those small but powerful steps towards a better emotional state. It might not be the giant leap you envisioned, but trust me, it’s a step worth taking.