Anticipation is a powerful force that shapes our experiences and perceptions, often driving us forward.
But, as you know, it can be either positive or negative. I’ve learned a lesson on how to use this powerful internal drive and how important it is to change negative anticipation to the positive.
Lee and I have been working for months to prepare for the biggest, most important show our non-profit, GreenRoom Exchange, has presented. KODO, the world acclaimed Taiko drummers from Japan come to Lexington on their “ONE WORLD” tour March 4th as part of our 250LEX celebration. We are super excited, now that I worked to turn my fear of this high-risk event into positive anticipation.
Here are three ways the power of positive anticipation can work for you!
ENHANCES MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE
Anticipating a positive outcome can greatly boost your motivation and performance. When I was fearful about this event, my motivation was tentative. With positive anticipation, I now look forward to it being rewarding, exciting, and meaningful. My motivation intensified. The anticipation ignited a sense of purpose and pushed me to put in the necessary effort, which led to better results.
IMPROVES EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
The act of anticipating pleasurable events elevates your mood and emotional well-being. Fear and dread shut you down, stifling your response. Replacing fearful thoughts with the anticipation of future joy and success worked. It released dopamine, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter, creating a sense of excitement. This positive outlook has helped me navigate through the many challenges of this event with certainty.
FOSTERS CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
Anticipation encourages you to think ahead and imagine possibilities that have yet to unfold. As we concurrently worked on writing grants, knowing that we can take on this large high-risk event has made us bolder in envisioning what we can do next. This forward-thinking mindset fosters confidence, creativity and innovation. It is helping us grow personally and as an organization.
How does the power of anticipation work for you? If you’d like support to make it more positive, reach out.
