Hi, I'm Marcy Young, the Children's Programs and Licensing Director at West Midland Family Center. Today, I'm excited to share Life Hack #12: Assume Positive Intent. In our children's programming, we use a social-emotional curriculum called Conscious Discipline, where positive intent is a key skill. We even have kids wear rose-colored heart-shaped sunglasses to teach them to view others' actions and words positively. As adults, this concept requires practice. It starts with believing that others act with good intentions, even if their actions suggest otherwise. Assuming positive intent is about believing in someone's motives. This approach can improve workplace dynamics by promoting trust, better communication, collaboration, and stronger relationships. It can fundamentally change how we see others and our overall belief in humanity for the better. For those wanting to try this life hack, next time you feel slighted by someone, pause and explore the possibilities. Instead of immediately judging their intent, remind yourself that you don't know their reasons. Ask yourself, ""What are the possible reasons they responded this way?"" Reframing your thinking in this positive way will come with practice.
