CHECKING YOUR ATTITUDE
CHOOSE POSITIVE INTENTION
STEP FOUR: Choose Positive Intent
Choosing Positive Intent allows you to deal constructively with the specific situation at hand. What's the new thought that will replace the Negative Intention? One way to think about the Positive Intention of the other person is to ask yourself, “What is this person trying to accomplish that is for the greater good?” Some examples of Positive Intention may sound like:
For someone who seems like she just wants to be right, the Positive Intention might be—she is trying to make the best decision.
For someone who seems like a bully, the Positive Intention might be—he wants to hold his ground and not be taken advantage of.
For someone who seems selfish, the Positive Intention might be—she is taking care of her own needs.
For someone who raises his voice, the Positive Intention might be—he is concerned about failure.
For someone who is stubborn, the Positive Intention might be—she wants to be sure before changing course.
For someone who like to argue, the Positive Intention might be—he likes rigor , to be challenged, and/or he likes to find out how I think.
For someone who complains, the Positive Intention might be—she is stuck and wants things to change but doesn't know how to make it happen.
You may have to take a moment to think about what the other person's Positive Intention might be. Sometimes you may not know exactly and you may have to make it up but that is okay. The purpose is to reset your mind so that you can take a positive course of action.
