When you trying to move change, start by finding the bright spots.
Bright spots: the positive exceptions, the examples that currently exist in today’s conditions, the lights already on the road.
Here’s an example from Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard:
In the 1990s, there was an epidemic of malnourished children in Vietnam. Rather than bowing to conventional wisdom (that the malnutrition was the result of the ignorance of impoverished people), they looked for bright spots — parents who were feeding their children well in spite of the circumstances. By following this line of research, they were able to uncover simple, tactical advice that existed already in the community and share it with other families. This wasn’t bringing in a foreign solution that would be hard to adapt, rather it was shining a light on what was already working. By providing actionable steps to combat malnutrition — like changing from two big meals a day to four child-size meals a day and adding shrimp, crabs, and sweet potato greens to the meal — in six months 65% of the kids were better nourished and stayed that way.
We can bring this closer to our own lives. When we have a problem, start questioning the exceptions. When is this not a problem? What is different about those circumstances? Get specific.
Focus on repeating the As rather than dissecting the F. What made a good day versus dwelling on what makes a day miserable? Name your strengths and make them stronger rather than being led by your weaknesses.
The blueprints are already here. Look for the bright spots.
With Love,
Natalie