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The Power of Positive Genius: Insights from "Before Happiness" by Shawn Achor

Writer's picture: Barbara CobasBarbara Cobas

In "Before Happiness," Shawn Achor explores the transformative power of a positive mindset, which he refers to as "positive genius." Achor argues that our underlying reality, or mindset, is not just an amplifier of intelligence but the very foundation upon which all our capabilities are built. This concept is crucial because it dictates how we perceive and interact with the world. Those who harness their positive genius can see opportunities where others see obstacles, and lead and innovate more effectively.


The Triangle of Success

Achor introduces the "triangle of success," which comprises three key forms of intelligence: IQ, emotional intelligence, and social intelligence. IQ teaches what needs to be done, emotional intelligence shows how to do it, and social intelligence reveals with whom to collaborate. This holistic approach suggests that true success requires a balance of these three intelligences, encouraging individuals to develop and integrate them into their daily lives.


Creating Positive Realities

One of the key takeaways from Achor’s work is the ability of certain individuals to create positive realities. These people, who seem to have the "Midas touch," turn every opportunity, relationship, and setback into a success. They are not oblivious to negative realities but instead see their ability to transform these negatives into positives. This perspective empowers individuals to approach challenges with optimism and proactivity, enabling them to navigate their personal and professional lives with greater resilience and effectiveness.


Skill 1: Reality Architecture

Achor outlines several strategies under the first skill, Reality Architecture:


  • Recognize Alternative Realities: One of the most important tools of positive genius is the ability to realize that multiple versions of reality exist. For instance, consider the story of two shoe salesmen sent to a remote village. One sees no potential because no one wears shoes, while the other sees a market ripe for opportunity because no one owns shoes yet. This story illustrates the power of shifting focus from limitations to possibilities.


  • Add Vantage Points: In neuroscience and positive psychology, your vantage point is the position from which you observe the facts that you use to create your reality. By adding multiple vantage points, individuals can gain a more comprehensive view of their situations and make more informed decisions.


  • Pursue the Most Valuable Reality: Once aware that reality is not fixed and having added vantage points, individuals can pursue the reality that will help them succeed. It’s not enough to know that multiple perspectives exist; one must evaluate and choose the most beneficial reality.


Skill 2: Mental Cartography

Mental Cartography involves mapping out your route to success, breaking it down into manageable steps, and celebrating each small victory along the way. Achor emphasizes that the path to success is not a single, linear journey but a series of milestones that need to be recognized and celebrated.


  • Success Mapping: This process involves setting clear, achievable goals and identifying the steps required to reach them. Achor suggests visualizing your end goals and then working backward to map out the steps necessary to get there. This technique ensures that each step is purposeful and aligned with your ultimate objectives.


  • Celebrating Small Wins: Achor stresses the importance of recognizing and celebrating small victories. For example, one effective technique is writing down your goals on champagne bottles and opening one whenever a goal is achieved. This method not only celebrates success but also keeps motivation high. Celebrating each small win reinforces positive behavior and builds momentum toward larger goals.


  • Visual Reminders: Keeping visual reminders of your goals and achievements can help maintain focus and motivation. Whether it’s a vision board or a list of accomplishments, these reminders serve as constant reinforcement of progress and success.


  • Overcoming Obstacles: Mental Cartography also involves planning for potential setbacks and developing strategies to overcome them. This proactive approach ensures that obstacles are seen as part of the journey rather than insurmountable barriers.


Skill 3: The X-Spot

In "Before Happiness," Shawn Achor introduces the concept of "The X-Spot," a critical point where success can be accelerated through specific strategies. This skill is about identifying and leveraging success accelerants that can significantly boost progress and achievement. Achor emphasizes that finding your X-Spot involves using gratitude, visualization, and strategic focus to create a powerful momentum toward your goals.


The X-Spot is the point where effort and opportunity converge to produce rapid progress. It's a combination of factors that, when aligned, create a significant acceleration in success. Achor likens this to hitting a sweet spot in a game or finding a perfect rhythm in a task, where everything seems to flow effortlessly and productively.


Key Strategies for Finding the X-Spot

  1. Gratitude and Visualization: Gratitude is a powerful tool for maintaining a positive mindset and enhancing overall well-being. Achor suggests that regularly practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what's lacking to what’s abundant in your life. This shift in perspective can open your eyes to opportunities that might have been overlooked before. Visualization, on the other hand, involves mentally rehearsing your success. By vividly imagining achieving your goals, you condition your brain to recognize and seize opportunities that align with your vision. Visualization helps in creating a mental blueprint of success, making the path to achievement clearer and more tangible.

  2. Perception Shifts: Living in a world of constant positivity and gratitude can change how you perceive challenges and opportunities. Achor notes that individuals who consistently ask themselves what they are grateful for tend to see more possibilities and feel more empowered to pursue them. This positive mindset can make challenges seem less daunting and more like opportunities for growth and learning.

  3. Authenticity in Positivity: It’s essential to maintain authenticity while practicing positivity. Achor advises against being pretentious or overly optimistic in a way that doesn’t resonate with your true feelings. Genuine positivity, coupled with a realistic approach to challenges, ensures that you remain grounded while still striving for improvement and success.

  4. Strategic Social Connections: The company you keep can significantly influence your success trajectory. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals can help maintain your momentum and motivation. Achor suggests being mindful of whom you spend your time with and choosing friends and colleagues who uplift and inspire you, rather than those who drain your energy with negativity.

  5. Momentum Building: Small, consistent changes can build significant momentum over time. By focusing on incremental improvements and celebrating small victories, you can maintain a steady pace toward your goals. This approach not only keeps you motivated but also creates a compounding effect, where each small win contributes to a larger success.


Skill 4: Noise Cancelling

Noise Cancelling is about identifying and removing the distractions and negative influences that prevent you from focusing on your goals and maintaining a positive mindset. Just as noise-cancelling headphones block out unwanted ambient sounds, Achor’s strategies help block out psychological noise that can cloud your judgment and sap your motivation. By identifying and filtering out negative noise, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and positively reframing challenges, you can boost your positive signal and stay focused on what truly matters. 


Skill 5: Positive Inception

Positive Inception is the ability to share your positive mindset and experiences in a way that encourages others to shift their perceptions and attitudes. It's not just about being cheerful or optimistic yourself; it's about using your positivity to elevate others. This skill involves empathy, communication, and the ability to connect with people on a meaningful level.


For former cruise ship crew members transitioning to land-based jobs, Achor’s principles offer valuable guidance. Adopting a positive mindset can transform this potentially challenging transition into an opportunity for growth and success. Recognizing and pursuing valuable realities, mapping out clear steps for career success, and celebrating small wins along the way can make the process smoother and more rewarding. Moreover, building a support network of positive individuals and filtering out negative influences can provide the resilience needed to adapt and thrive in new professional environments.


"Before Happiness" by Shawn Achor provides actionable insights into cultivating a positive mindset, which can significantly enhance personal and professional success, especially during times of transition and change.


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