What is Positive Intelligence (PQ)?
Positive Intelligence is a term often associated with the work of Shirzad Chamine, who developed the Positive Intelligence (PQ) model. The idea behind Positive Intelligence is to measure and improve an individual’s mental fitness or positive intelligence quotient (PQ) in order to enhance their overall well-being, effectiveness, and resilience.
Positive Intelligence draws from principles of positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It focuses on shifting one’s thought patterns away from self-sabotaging and unproductive tendencies, often referred to as “Saboteurs,” and towards more positive and empowering thinking.
One of the key components of Positive Intelligence is identifying and managing the various Saboteurs, which are negative thought patterns and behaviors that can hinder personal and professional growth. These Saboteurs include inner critics, controllers, and hyper-achievers, among others.
Identifying the top Saboteurs that come up most frequently for us as individuals, helps us to catch and interrupt it more readily. We are able to intercept it. Once we intercept it, we go to the next step.
The next step involves a tactile, focused, yet in the moment way to recenter.
Once we are recentered, we are in a place to come from a Sage Perspective and choose from one or more of the Sage Powers, as termed by Positive Intelligence. These are Empathize, Explore, Navigate, Innovate, and Activate. These can be accessed quickly once our mental fitness is built over time, starting with a 6-week intensive mental fitness muscle building program.
How does Positive Intelligence Transform?
In the pursuit of a purposeful and fulfilling life, it is crucial to recognize the transformative power of positive intelligence in aligning our actions with our high-level values. Positive intelligence enables us to cultivate a resilient and optimistic mindset, empowering us to live authentically and in harmony with our deepest principles and aligning with those high-level values. Here are the outcomes of Positive Intelligence:
- Self-Awareness: Positive intelligence begins with self-awareness. By recognizing our thoughts, limiting beliefs, and patterns of negativity, we gain clarity on how they may hinder our alignment with our values. Self-awareness enables us to consciously choose empowering thoughts and beliefs that are in line with our high-level values.
- Positivity Resilience: Living our high-level values requires resilience in the face of challenges. Positive intelligence helps us build resilience by reframing obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth. It equips us with the mental strength to bounce back, maintain optimism, and stay committed to our values, even in difficult times.
- Authenticity and Integrity: Positive intelligence encourages us to live authentically, expressing our true selves and staying aligned with our values. It supports us in making choices and decisions that are congruent with our principles, allowing us to act with integrity and foster a sense of inner harmony and fulfillment.
- Empathy and Connection: Developing positive intelligence enhances our capacity for empathy and connection with others. It enables us to approach interactions with kindness, understanding, and compassion, which facilitates the integration of our values with the needs and experiences of those around us. Through empathy, we can forge deeper connections and cultivate relationships rooted in respect and shared understanding.
- Solutions-Oriented Mindset: Positive intelligence helps us adopt a solutions-oriented mindset when faced with challenges or conflicts that may challenge our values. It enables us to shift our focus from problems to possibilities, seeking constructive ways to address issues while remaining true to our core values. By embracing a positive perspective, we can find creative and compassionate resolutions that honor our values and nurture positive outcomes.
- Flourishing and Well-Being: By harnessing positive intelligence, we foster our own well-being and flourishing. Positive emotions, such as gratitude and joy, support our mental and emotional health, allowing us to show up as our best selves and positively impact those around us. This positive state of being amplifies our ability to live our high-level values consistently and authentically.
By developing positive intelligence, we unlock the potential to live in alignment with our high-level values. It enables us to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, authenticity, empathy, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Embracing positive intelligence empowers us to lead purposeful lives that reflect our core values, nurturing personal growth, meaningful connections, and a profound sense of fulfillment.
As part of our offerings here at Spark Success we include the Positive Intelligence work in our programs. We find that this optional element of our programs supports a more consistently positive mindset from which to lead authentically with self compassion, empathy, and curiosity. In addition, it supports perspective with the future in mind, innovation, and laser-focused, forward-moving action.
If you would like to learn more about our programs and how they can support you in developing your Positive Intelligence please book a complimentary exploration call using the button below.
Yours in positivity
