A New Year, A Little Confusion, and Some Positive Intelligence

Big questions and some confusion as the new year lifts off.

It’s Monday morning, 02 January 2023, and I’m writing this before joining my family to watch the Rose Parade, something we look forward to every year.

Before leaving the guest bedroom at the family home in Northern California, I took a few minutes to read a chapter in Stephen Mitchell’s new version of “Tao Te Ching,” which has become my carry-it-everywhere book these past months. I read a chapter, or sometimes, a line or two, every morning and spend the rest of the day trying to understand how its truths can inform my journey.

In Chapter 72, the final two lines speak about the Master who “teaches without a teaching, so that people will have nothing to learn.”

A regular theme in Tao is watching or observing without acting. The first stanza of Chapter 63 reads, “Act without doing; work without effort,” and similar passages pop up regularly.

95% of the time, I have no idea what he’s talking about or how his words make sense. But every once in a while, something clicks, and I catch a glimpse.

A glimpse appeared last year (September 2022) when I stumbled on a book titled, “Positive Intelligence .”It sounded like it might be related to Emotional Intelligence, so I picked it up, and in I dove.

Here’s what I learned first, as it relates to my inner work, and second, as it relates to the work I do Coaching business owners and entrepreneurs.

Positive Intelligence, or PQ, is the capacity for individuals to react to life’s challenges with positive rather than negative energy. It is a crucial aspect of personal and professional development and is especially important for business owners.

Business owners face various challenges and stressors that impact their mental and emotional well-being. It is easy to become overwhelmed and lost in day-to-day tasks and problems. However, having a high PQ can help us navigate these challenges with greater resilience, adaptability, and positivity.

One key aspect of PQ is mindfulness, or the ability to pay attention to thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental way. We become more self-aware and better able to manage our emotions rather than being controlled by them. For example, a business owner with a high PQ might be able to take a step back and objectively evaluate a problematic situation rather than reacting in a knee-jerk manner.

Another essential aspect of PQ is self-compassion, or the ability to be kind and understanding towards oneself. This is vital for anyone prone to self-criticism, perfectionism, or possibly everyone. By cultivating self-compassion, we develop a more positive and healthy relationship with ourselves and are more resilient in facing setbacks and challenges.

PQ also involves the ability to cultivate positive Relationships with others. This impacts personal relationships and translates into increased business for business owners. People do business with those they like and trust. Business owners who build strong, supportive relationships with their employees, colleagues, and clients are more successful in the long run.

I’ve come to believe Positive Intelligence is critical for individuals and business owners to cultivate. By developing mindfulness, self-compassion, and positive relationships, we navigate the challenges and stressors of being human, running a business, and achieving tremendous success and happiness.

I don’t know about you, but sign me up for greater happiness and success.

When you are ready to learn more about Positive Intelligence email me with an “I’m curious note” for a free assessment to discover which of the 10 Saboteurs you deal with the most in your personal and business relationships followed by a personalized evaluation. The evaluation is complimentary, as is a follow-up conversation to help you understand your saboteurs and some intelligent tools to manage them effectively.

The post A New Year, A Little Confusion, and some Positive Intelligence first appeared on James Swan Coaching.

James Swan Certified Professional Coach

With over 20 years as a small business owner, entrepreneur, award-winning author, and marketing consultant Jim brings his experience as a survivor of success and failure to the world of business coaching and consulting.

As a Certified Professional Coach, he turned years of business experiences, personal values, and a belief in the power of transformative energy into a laser-focused professional objective; to support small and medium-sized business owners as they expand into their highest and best selves.
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and music from Southwestern University and studies in Arizona State University's Architecture and Design master's degree program, he now includes Certified Coach in his educational accomplishments.

He is a past member of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, serving on its Executive Board of Directors. Other commitments include PAWS/LA, which assists with the care of pets for people living with disabilities, and KidSmart, an art education foundation for inner-city youth. Currently, he lives and works from his home on the Maine coast.