I feel like when you are really appreciative, it makes it easier to have a better outlook and perspective of life in general. ~ Miguel
While I was at a meeting recently, I was introduced to the concept of Appreciative Inquiry. I am really intrigued by this concept as it is kind of like lean supercharged with positivity. The simplest explanation for it is focusing on what is working really well and building off of that, instead of focusing on what is not working. I believe this concept is much more difficult to grasp in our healthcare world where we are specifically trained to look for what is wrong. However, often times whether it be at work, or in our personal lives, we get so wrapped up in what isn’t going just right that we simply overlook the numerous things that are going amazingly well.
I am over simplifying this concept for the sake of this article, as it is more complex and requires different steps and processes to implement. However, the concept in the simplest form could be used in our daily lives. It reminds me of the Fish Videos and the underlying message that you “choose your attitude”. I had this very discussion with one of my children this morning sharing; “Life is too short to be so crabby, you choose your attitude and my choice for today is positive and happy, what’s yours?”
When I self-reflect and look at what is going well for our system it is simply you! You make a difference in our patients’ lives every day. I had someone share with me an amazing outcome of a patient that we shipped out on Thanksgiving, who is expecting a full recovery. The family firmly believes that without the care they received in our facilities the outcome would likely have been very different. Whether you were directly involved in this patient’s care or not, you all had an impact as we are all part of the same team. This is just one example of the difference you make every day!
Ultimately, I want to be a good person and spread happiness through my acting. If I don't forget to be appreciative and thankful, then that would be the most important thing that I'll ever achieve. ~ Park Bo-gum
