Nov 24, 2015
Competition is wonderful in many ways. However, when we get stuck in habitual patterns of a competitive mindset, it can bring stress and strain to our lives and romantic relationships.
A competitive mindset assumes limited resources and opportunities, resulting in an “I have to get mine” attitude.
Being in a competitive mindset can lead to a survival mentality. You begin to think that in order to win, you have to beat others – survival of the fittest. This is also a fear based mindset. When fear sets in, we start to view the world differently.
From an evolutionary standpoint, humans are prone to having a negative basis. Having a negative basis helps us pay attention to negative and painful events so that we will learn and be more prepared to handle threats. In doing so, we may be able to better protect ourselves.
The downside to this negative basis is that it’s easy to overlook our strengths, assets, resources, and opportunities because all of our attention is focused on the negative. When we focus on the negative, it is easy to become reactive and more fearful, responding to situations from a protective and competitive approach.
When we emphasize the negative, we miss the whole picture.
How do you begin to shift your mindset? The most personal and profound way that I know is through Gratitude. As we shift our attention to what we are grateful for, we will recognize more positivity for that we have been previously overlooking or ignoring. We will acknowledge more resources and opportunities in our partnership. We will begin to feel more relaxed and more regulated. We feel empowered and less threatened, and we start believing in a more generative outcome.
“Abilities wither under faultfinding, blossom under encouragement.” ~ Donald A. Laird
Start with your own inner universe.
Cultivating an environment of appreciation often doesn’t come naturally and easily. Many of us do not express appreciation to our partner because:
When we share our appreciation in a romantic relationship, it has a powerful impact on others. Appreciation is the expression of gratitude.
5 to 1
John Gottman, a psychologist and researcher, offers a formula for happy relationships. He claims that for every negative expression in a relationship (a complaint, frown, put-down, expression of anger) there needs to be about five positive expressions (smiles, compliments, laughter, expressions of appreciation and gratitude) to counter balance the mindset.
Ideas to Express Gratitude in a Relationship:
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