Strengths And Positive Deviance
By Dr. William K. Larkin on February 13, 2012
PLEASE DEVIATE MORE FROM THE NORM!
Our norm is the understanding that what is heliotropic is normative; it’s the norm. We are meant to grow, to evolve, to create, to be, to express, to become. From the moment of conception, every cell is aimed at growth and birth, and nothing changes after we are born. The very nature of “createdness” is heliotropic--toward the light, toward growth, toward becoming and being. And we are surrounded by outstanding examples of positive deviance that goes even beyond this norm of growth and becoming. It just takes a positive lens to see them.
The lens of negative deviance studies everything that deviates from the norm of growth and positive forward creation. We’ve done that for years.
But now, with strengths, we pick a new extremely powerful positive lens. Strengths are the parts of us that call us to greatness, to uniqueness, and to outstanding performance in their expression, if we will grow them.Strengths are first grown by the acknowledgement that they are there and the intent, above all else, to grow them, stretch them, and to allow them to create 
personal genius-- which is their potential in every person.
The greatest enemy of strength has two sides-- non-recognition of the strength and not recognizing its use. We often take strengths for granted because they seem so much like us. We are so used to them. The truth is that they often become “matter of fact.” It’s like “it’s no big thing.” We have heard people say exactly that about their strengths. Or strengths may be so sloppily used that they get us in trouble and we hate them. The strength of “strategic,” for example, may get us in trouble because we get to the point and zero in so quickly that people resent our penetrating insight.
Strengths need first to be recognized and acknowledged by the user for what they are and for when they are used. That begins a process of using the strength more and refining its use in relationship to one’s other strengths, which help bolster and refine each other.
Strengths work in unison and in tandem.
Every negative event in your life is a gift that is a cue to go to a strength that you’re not using. The solution to every situation lies in the combined used of your strengths to point in the direction of the solution. Go to your strengths and every negative is resolved by their application and use over time.
Really, really play to your strengths and you create true genius in about 20 years.
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR COACHES
1)
Follow this link to a short article on the nature of positive deviance. Summarize the new learning which is most significant for you about this emerging field. How would you apply this new learning to your coaching and group practices? Give us a specific example.
2) Strengths training has been a major component of your professional coach training. Since your initial introduction to strengths research, how have you grown in your knowledge and application of strengths? What new information and practices have most deepened your experience of the science of strengths?
FOR OUR LARGER BLOG COMMUNITY
1) This blog outlines the essential nature of who we are-“heliotropic,” always leaning into the light, into growth and personal strength. How has this idea been true for you? Give us an example.
2) “Strengths are the parts of us that call us to greatness, to uniqueness, and outstanding performance in their expression, if we will grow them.” How has this been true for you? Tell us your story.
33 Comments
khalberg wrote on Wed Feb 15th, 9:32pm:
The blog states: “We are meant to grow, to evolve, to create, to be, to express, to become. From the moment of conception, every cell is aimed at growth and birth.” How is this true for you as a consequence of focusing on your UpSpiral and Emotional Scale scores, the practice of the Emotional Gym, Zeno Focus?
Sometimes you have to break free to see how far you’ve plummeted! When I accepted my current (for a few more days) position and moved back to my beautiful lake, I was certain of my strengths (Clifton) and was positive this role would absolutely allow me to use them. I was tasked with leadership and creating organizational change that would enable us to be more financially sustainable> I believed it would be a perfect combination of my business degree, my coaching skills, and my strategic, arranger, ideation & maximizer strengths, while learning new skills would tap into my intellection & input. Instead, I ran into extremely strong resistance to change from two of my most tenured peers, and cycled through four different bosses between October and July. The summer was rough and in addition I had to move out of my beautiful lakeside home (the owners decided to move back in). I plummeted into the down spiral, even though I knew it was unhealthy and that all I had to do to change it was change my state of mind. (As a coach who taught emotional intelligence, and studied neuroleadership, I did know this, even though I didn’t have these names for it.) Thank God for the FaceBook ad that brought this class to my attention. Five weeks of repeating the emotional gym, recording my scores (bringing awareness to the process) and writing down my wants (more $$ and a job that actually uses and appreciated my strengths and passions) my position has been eliminated. Humongous weight off my shoulders, and hope for the future!!
bcvalentine wrote on Thu Feb 16th, 9:31pm:
The blog states: “We are meant to grow, to evolve, to create, to be, to express, to become. From the moment of conception, every cell is aimed at growth and birth.” How is this true for you as a consequence of focusing on your UpSpiral and Emotional Scale scores, the practice of the Emotional Gym, Zeno Focus?
I am in a wonderful relationship full of mutual respect and love, exactly what I had been looking in a partner. I never doubted the future of our relationship but I was stuck (for a short time) focusing on what I had felt in past relationships that I wasn’t feeling presently. After focusing on my US & ES scores as well as calling on my strengths (Gratitude, Optimism & Honesty) I have shifted my perspective from what I lacked (or thought I lacked) to what I have and that has made all the difference, not only has that been reflected in the increase of my scores but in the strength of my relationship as well.
jillangeldavis wrote on Fri Feb 17th, 8:16am:
The zeno focus is the new whisper in my ear for every thought. Is this thought something that I want to focus on? is this what I want to grown in my life? is this how I want to use my sacred energy? The roller coaster ride with my mother’s congestive heart failure has given me many opportunities to hit the down spiral, and I have learned to recognize that even though this is happening, I have a choice in whether I am stuck in a depressive emotion or let it pass through me. When I hit the beginning of a fear or anxiety cycle, I shift my attention to the emotion gym, the knowledge that I am increasing my own well being by choosing a positive emotion, is a strong motivator.
Dr. William K. Larkin wrote on Fri Feb 17th, 10:40am:
Great posts, great applications of what you are learning. What a great opportunity for openess, to lose a job- the great escape. I love Jill’s “whisper of the Zeno”. Every thought is an affirmation, an affirmation of something and we are building a neuropathway with every thought and every feeling, adding to the propensity of the direction in which we want to go.
Tracy wrote on Fri Feb 17th, 12:01pm:
One of the aspects of the ANI program that I found attractive before even signing up for the certificate class was becoming an UpSpiraLife leader and running a group. So, when I heard about the opportunity to take the leader training class with Dr. Larkin, I was enthusiastic and I initially said “yes” in my head. Over the next few days, however, I thought about my schedule—both immediate (another night on the phone) and long term (how will I lead a group when I travel so much, 20 weeks is a huge commitment etc.) and after much hemming and hawing and internal angst I ultimately decided that I couldn’t fit this commitment into my life and emailed Dr. Johnson to that effect. Later that same day, we had our Tuesday night class and one of the topics I got a lot out of was the discussion about optimism and pessimism. The next morning I woke up and my first thought was “you have thought of all of the ways being in Dr. Larkin’s class won’t work, and what really would be more positive would be to figure out how you can make it work”. And I immediately felt a sense of inner peace and knew that the decision to join the class was the right one for me. So here was a perfect example of my Zeno brain creating a new neuron pathway toward movement and growth, away from a lifelong pattern of fretting about scheduling and planning. I am just going to adopt the optimistic view that it will all work out somehow.
jlongo wrote on Fri Feb 17th, 1:16pm:
“The lens of negative deviance studies everything that deviates from the norm
of growth and positive forward creation.”
The next portion states: But now, with strengths, we pick a new extremely powerful positive lens. Strengths are the parts of us that call us to greatness, to uniqueness, and to outstanding performance in their expression, if we will grow them.
Using the Emotional Gym, recording my US & ES on a daily basis and truly understand the concept and the ability to apply Zeno Focus are to me the strengths at which are spoken of. I had mentioned in last week’s blog that I was missing my focus, unsure of who I was and what I wanted. Along with gaining my focus over the past few weeks, I’ve also become aware. When I say that, I’m not only talking of myself, but my ability to “SEE” others has become quite clear. My success in moving in the direction of positive deviance has allowed me to reach out and grasp the part of me that calls me to greatness. This is nice to finally acknowledge! I have a new found confidence attached to my long term goals. I’ve also been able to accept my uniqueness, and become grateful for those who love me because of my characteristics, which I now see is what draws people in my direction. “If we grow them.” Each tool and concept handed to us on a weekly basis gives me no choice. As Dr. Larkin says in his book, once you learn these, you can never unlearn them!
With all that said, I’m changing. The way I speak to others, how I treat myself, my patience for those around me. My husband and I are at a wonderful stage in our lives. We recently bought a home and are in the process of renovations. Two weeks prior to the start of our class I had a meltdown. My husband and I are both very strong minded people, but in the 24 plus years I’ve known him, we had never butted heads so much. Insert the power of pulsing, the goal of keeping myself high up in my US & ES, the application of Zeno Focus and we’ve got a new marriage for Jeannine and Frank. We are communicating on a new level. My heart is swelling with our restored respect and love for one another. As I grow, he grows. He just doesn’t see it like I do. I not only feel as though I’m moving toward the light, but on my best of days I fell as if that light is shining within me.
kaylie.prov wrote on Fri Feb 17th, 1:45pm:
When an individual understands his/her strengths, it allows new doors to open. By accepting new complimentary opportunities, UpSpiral and emotion scores will climb (GROW) to new unknown heights allowing individuals to evolve, create, express, and eventually become, or find his/her identity. The trick of it all is discovering our strength and to do this, you must look at yourself from a micro and a macro perspective. The macro perception is often ignored which can result in selfish and oblivious behavior that effects not only the self but society as well. I personally am heliotropic and have followed my dreams and unlocked my strengths which include writing, music and psychological evaluation. Combining my skills to create a music/art therapy program (which is currently only a mere blueprint) has not only uplifted my overall attitude and energy, but I have also met so many amazing people that aid me in my dream as opposed to parasitic, lethargic people who offer little motivation to me.
Kaylie
Gale STEWART wrote on Sat Feb 18th, 11:11am:
“Strengths are the parts of us that call us to greatness, to uniqueness, and to outstanding performance in their expression, if we will grow them.Strengths are first grown by the acknowledgement that they are there and the intent, above all else, to grow them, stretch them, and to allow them to create personal genius—which is their potential in every person.” This particular passage stood out for me for two reasons: 1) my number one strength is Spirituality..sense of purpose…faith. and 2) the movement of which I am a minister teaches “Visioning” and for 12 years every time I vision for myself, I “hear” step into your greatness, your power. And I’ve never quite known how to do that…or I was afraid to do so. Now I realize what it means…I need to understanding that my need for a sense of purpose to my life is realized in my intense interest in the spirituality of life, and that my spirituality, my number one strength, causes me to stretch and grow, as do my other top strengths. As I realize the power of my strengths to enrich my life, and apply them to what I’m doing, I create the life I want. And I am able, without fear, to step into my power. As I am doing so, I am experiencing more and more synchronicities.
Dr.A wrote on Sat Feb 18th, 12:35pm:
“We are meant to grow, to evolve, to create, to be, to express, to become. From the moment of conception, every cell is aimed at growth and birth.” How is this true for you as a consequence of focusing on your UpSpiral and Emotional Scale scores, the practice of the Emotional Gym, Zeno Focus?
In the blog, after the sentence “from the moment of conception, every cell is aimed at growth and birth” it continues to say “and nothing changes after we are born”. But, yes, much changes after we are born and throughout our life. We are meant to grow, to evolve, to create, to be, to express and to become…. We may at times lose our way and go down the spiral, we may at times allow others to temporarily halt our path up the spiral, but we learn that we are able to use techniques to help us with our continued growth, after all we are heliotropic in nature. In my past I was able to get out of the down-spiral through positive deviance… I guess being a bit of a rebel, and to think outside the norm helped me cure myself, and allowed me to later help others. Now, and still considered positive deviance…since learning about the UpSpiral and the emotional gym, together with Zeno Focus, when I start to go down the UpSpiral and in danger of getting too close to the down spiral,—as almost occurred last week—-I realize I AM heliotropic by nature, and yes, every cell in my body knows this and feels this…. so I must look up to the light, to the up spiral, and these techniques we have learned, and continue my path up to be the best I can be, with a focus on LOVE, GRATITUDE, HOPE, PEACE, JOY and of course Forgiveness.
(Oh yes, I also have been making a list of my strengths, although in my life it has been difficult to speak of my strengths—due to my up-bringing and being told one should not focus or speak of one’s strengths—I have managed to write down a few. This was helpful to use in combination with the emotional gym. It gave me better perspective of where to focus more.)
Gale STEWART wrote on Sat Feb 18th, 1:50pm:
“The greatest enemy of strength has two sides—non-recognition of the strength and not recognizing its use. We often take strengths for granted because they seem so much like us. We are so used to them. The truth is that they often become “matter of fact.” It’s like “it’s no big thing.” We have heard people say exactly that about their strengths.” I can see how not recognizing, perhaps taking for granted, my strengths doesn’t serve me. One of my strengths is the capacity to love and be loved. When I love, I don’t think twice about doing something for someone whom I love. For example, my husband became very ill day before yesterday. I spent yesterday morning running back and forth between our hotel and the nearest Walgreens to get prescriptions for him. Then, because he was so weak and not coherent, I had to take charge of his needs and our travel arrangements. I didn’t think anything of it, because that’s what you do. But he apologized and thanked me over and over for being a good caregiver. I was surprised, because, I’m his wife, and that’s what wives do. I didn’t think about this as a demonstration of one of my strengths, i was taking care of him. I guess I was, in essence, saying it was “no big thing” when actually, giving love, whatever form it takes, is a “big thing”. And I know that pulsing peace got me through a long day, that at the beginning was very scary! I have my top 10 strengths posted on my computer so that I can look at them every day and see how I use them and make sure I apply them to growing a positive mind! And…I am grateful that I learned that I was negating one of my greatest strengths…being loving!
Katherine wrote on Sat Feb 18th, 8:22pm:
There were times years ago when I did not appreciate how my thoughts had a direct impact on my life. I am fortunate in that as a young woman I realized I could control thoughts and develop an optimistic disposition. I did not realize at the time I was experiencing the Zeno Effect. I can see how my neuropathways have developed and changed over time. Historically, I articulated this as having positive expectations. I expect things in my life to turn out well. The Emotional Scale concept of having an awareness of how I feel is helping me take this to the next level. When I enter the Emotional Gym and feel the positive emotions of gratitude, love, peace, joy and hope I realize that I am empowered to tune into these pulsing feelings even when I am out of the gym. I sweat it out in the Emotional Gym so that I can stay strong and be in a positive emotional state throughout the day.
Katherine wrote on Sat Feb 18th, 8:42pm:
Good for you Tracy and I am so glad you decided to join the UpSpiral Group training. I know exactly how you feel. I already was stretched for time taking the certificate class so my initial reaction to take the group training was the same as yours. However, I just kept thinking what a privilege it would be to work directly with Dr. Larkin. As I started to open myself up to the possibilities (positive, optimistic thinking) I was able to expand my thoughts on how I could pull it off. It takes a lot of courage to move forward even when you may not have all the answers but believe it will work out over time. Thanks for sharing.
Dr.A wrote on Sat Feb 18th, 8:47pm:
Gale, I hope your husband is feeling better now. I can imagine how scary it is to be far from home, and either you or your husband becoming ill. I am glad you used the emotional gym to help you get through this. I am also glad that you can now know and acknowledge at least one of your strengths. Love is a Big one! I just took the strengths test, and I am so happy I did, because I do not think I would have acknowledged most of them as a strength in myself. But now that I know, and can accept, I can put them in my tool box for my own growth and to help others. Spirituality helps us remain strong and continue to move forward even in adversity… PArt of my spiritual practice includes a focus on Love, Peace, Hope, Gratitude, Peace and Forgiveness…much like the emotional gym! I know you are very spiritual and full of love… what great strengths!
Chelle wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 7:56am:
Working in a traditional non-holistic medical field is to be immersed in negative deviance! More specifically, working as a medical contract procurer and negotiator for a for-profit hospice as well as in conflict resolution for hospice patients and their medical providers is to be daily steeped in a stew of negative deviance.
Prior to being exposed to the Emotional Gym, I would try to piece together whatever I’ve learned about positivity in order to create any semblance of ‘heliotropism’ to my work and to those with whom I was interacting. Practicing the Emotional Gym multiple times a day strengthens a positive deviance in myself and gives me the words, inner fortitude and ‘voice’ to gently guide others to know that even in the midst of life crises and in naturally occurring negative life events there can be a lean toward what is good and positive and life renewing. As well, the knowledge gained even in the few weeks of this training has made a tremendous impact on my ability to resist absorbing the negative deviance inherent in my professional life. I am so grateful for ANI!!!!
Chelle wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 8:12am:
Reading everyone’s posts is to ‘see’ parts of my experiences as well. Gale, I often see those with the natural talents and strengths of a caregiver downplay those strengths. They do so in part I think, because somehow in our society, ‘care giving’ is seen as passive and not a ‘get ahead’ strength perhaps as ‘strategic’.
Congratulations for ‘owning’ your beautiful strengths of a caregiver. I’ve seen the most brilliant ‘strategists’ become completely helpless in the face of needing ‘care’.
Dr.A wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 9:24am:
Chelle, I know how difficult it is to work in a non-holistic environment. I go to do my work, although holistic, in a non-holistic or allopathic environment. It hurts to see that people/patients have become a source of income… thanks to these people who are ill and in pain; hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, etc. are able to make BILLIONS a year! Yes, keeping our zeno focus on what is important and good is so important, for the patients and for us who must be there. Chelle, we are there, so that we can keep an eye out for those in need…. Thank you for what you do!
khalberg wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 9:29am:
Gail, you said every time you ““hear” step into your greatness, your power. And I’ve never quite known how to do that…or I was afraid to do so. Now I realize what it means…I need to understanding that my need for a sense of purpose to my life is realized in my intense interest in the spirituality of life, and that my spirituality, my number one strength, causes me to stretch and grow, as do my other top strengths. As I realize the power of my strengths to enrich my life, and apply them to what I’m doing, I create the life I want.” That of course reminds me of my favorite Marianne Williamson quote, ” “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Hurray for the UpSpiral, and for owning our strengths, and walking our lives of greatness ...
Chelle wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 10:09am:
You wrote my thoughts Kristen :)
Chelle wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 10:24am:
Thank you so much Dr A for your encouraging words and perspective. I daily strive to ‘heliotropically” balance the requirements of work - ie “making money from the dying” against the constraints of medicare/medicaid/federal regulations. The desire is to just give ‘care, comfort, dignity and respect’ as I pledged in my oath of nursing. Federal regs all too often sacrifice care and respect on the alter of money.
Tracy wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 12:18pm:
Chelle I never imagined that you worked in an environment of negative deviance and in the center of a conflict-rife situation. I have appreciated your strong positivity in your blog postings and on the Facebook page. You must have superpowers in Zeno focus and heliotropic abilities! I imagine your co workers and clients view you as a ray of sunshine when they come to work every day.
Chelle wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 3:39pm:
Thank you Tracy! I’m certainly soaking up everything we’re learning of Zeno focus and ‘heliotropism’ and truly feel the ‘universe’ led me to ANI and all of you for a reason. I am sharing with my co workers what we are learning and to varying degrees they are truly interested. Before ANI I would hold ‘positivity’ staff meetings wherein everyone had to say 3 positives for every negative and now have even more to add!
Phillip wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 4:50pm:
I’d like to respond to b) “The lens of negative deviance studies everything that deviates from the norm of growth and positive forward creation.” How have the tools and concepts presented in class to date supported you in moving more in the direction of “positive deviance,” of a heightened awareness of what’s good, positive, and “heliotropic” in yourself and others? Give us an example.
The emotional gym as really helped me focus on what’s positive and good, not only in myself but others as well. I have been more resilient to the negative as a result of this work. I agree that my depression and negativity had become a habit. Now I’m learning/practicing the habit of being positive and that habit is being strengthened by being aware that I have a choice in how I respond to the events in my life and using the emotional gym is increasing my ability to choose, specifically, to choose the positive. It’s wonderful and liberating. It reinforces something I already believed (at least in theory/superficially) but didn’t practice very well. I’m very grateful for this tool to help me grow my positive muscle. I know that I have been more positive (well, been up and down to be honest, but the general trend has been upward) and I’ve been more patient and accepting of others, less judgmental, more compassionate. I know I’ve been more resilient at work. I’ve been less whiny and complaining and I’ve done better work as a result. I know my clients have felt and appreciated it as well.
Also, I’d like to share something I find to be quite interesting and ironic. I work in a community mental health center and most of what I do is intake assessments. These assessments are at least 90 to 95% or more focused on the problems, what’s wrong, etc. There’s a very small section focused on client strengths and interests. So, after getting all of this negative information, I’m supposed to create a treatment plan based on their strengths. Go figure! :) As I’ve been doing the emotional gym, I’ve told my clients that although most of this assessment is focused on the negative, I believe they have strengths, positives, and good things about them and that if I could do it my way, that’s what I would focus on, but my job requires me to get all the bad stuff. My clients (mostly children/adolescents) have really appreciated this and responded well to this. Their facial demeanor relaxes, they smile a little more, etc. and they leave feeling more positively about themselves than when they came in. They leave with hope. They have been encouraged. They’ve been uplifted. They appreciate someone focusing on what’s good about them versus what’s bad about them; what needs fixing, etc.
This work and what I’m learning has really renewed my enthusiasm for the helping profession. It’s so much more enjoyable to focus on what’s good in people (including myself) than to focus on what’s bad/wrong/deficient, etc.
Phillip wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 5:17pm:
Response to khalberg:
Thank you for your post. I can relate. I don’t like where I’m working. It’s been very aggravating/frustrating. I’ve known for a long time that I don’t flourish working in the environment that I do. I chafe at the regulation, bureaucracy, management, etc. that is so counterproductive to what we’re supposed to be doing, and that’s putting the people who walk through our doors first. I’ve known for a long time that if I ever did get my license (still don’t have it though I graduated many years ago) that I would like to have my own private practice. At the same time, that was a scary thought. Within the last week, a coworker shared with me a workshop that will be held on how to start a private practice. I have been feeling confident that I can actually do that—start a private practice (and at this point I’m strongly leaning more towards coaching than therapy) and be successful at it, i.e. be able to provide for myself and my children comfortably. I’m excited and looking forward to it. Thank you Drs. Larkin and Johnson and all of you for helping me to grow my positive mind. :)
Phillip wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 5:23pm:
P.S. In watching the video lecture for this week, I loved it when Dr. Larkin broke out the DSM-IV. That resonated with me. I’ve always had a problem with the DSM for some reason, even going back to graduate school. It’s just never been my thing. I absolutely loved it when he broke out the blue book of Strengths. Absolutely love it. How wonderful! BTW, and Drs. Larkin and Johnson know this, the original DSM was very thin. Each new edition has gotten larger and larger. Just an interesting observation. I think it’s fantastic that someone has put together a DSM of Strengths! Awesome! Just Awesome, and long overdue! :)
Chelle wrote on Sun Feb 19th, 6:14pm:
Phillip, I got a little ‘goose bumpy’ reading your posts. I could feel the positive energy and renewal. The traditional medical and mental health fields are land mines for negative deviance. Its good that you are the positive deviance for your clients! Keep being ‘the lean’ :)
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