10 Positive Emotions That Will Elevate Your Performance

Unlock the Driver to High-Impact Leadership

Cultivating positive emotions can enhance creativity, resilience and performance.

Hi there,

Leadership can be tough—tight deadlines, high expectations, and constant pressure. But what if you could boost your performance and well-being by focusing on positive emotions?

Positive psychology, pioneered by Martin Seligman, teaches us how cultivating certain emotions can enhance creativity, resilience, and performance. Athletes know this well—just like they train their bodies for peak performance, they also work on their mindset. You can do the same to elevate your performance and thrive under pressure.

In my own experience as a leader, I’ve found that focusing on positive emotions—not just the tasks at hand—has helped me stay grounded and more effective, even in challenging times. Whether I’m working with my clients or team, I’ve seen how small, intentional shifts in mindset can make a huge difference.

Here are 10 positive emotions you can cultivate—plus quick tips on how to bring them to life:

1.     Joy

Joy is often fleeting, so it’s important to create regular, micro-moments of joy. This can be as simple as sharing genuine compliments with our teams or having meaningful conversations.

Tip: Start meetings by celebrating a recent success or milestone to kick things off on a high note.

2.     Gratitude

Psychologist Robert Emmons says that practicing gratitude “builds a psychological immune system” that helps us stay resilient. It allows us to reframe situations and gain new perspectives.

Tip: Develop a habit of acknowledging teams and individuals, both top performers and the unsung heroes.

3.     Serenity

Cultivating serenity is a way to find peace and tranquility in a fast-paced world.

Finding serenity allows us to stay calm and focused under pressure. Personally, I’ve found mindfulness to be a game-changer, especially on busy days. A short mindfulness practice can quickly reset my focus and energy.

Tip: Practice mindfulness for as little as 10 minutes a day to reset and clear your mind.

4.     Interest

Being curious and taking a genuine interest in our work and the people around us helps broaden our mindset and strengthen connections.

Tip: Foster curiosity by using brainstorming techniques like Hal Gregersen’s Question Burst, or ask questions that help you think differently, like, “How could we approach this challenge from a different angle?”

5.     Hope

Hope empowers resilience. It’s the belief that things will improve, even in difficult situations. I recall a challenging project a while back where we stayed hopeful despite setbacks, and that mindset helped us achieve our goals.

Tip: When facing challenges, remind your team of past successes and focus on the opportunities ahead, rather than the obstacles.

6.     Pride

Taking pride in our work motivates continued effort and excellence. Celebrate accomplishments, big and small.

Tip: Regularly acknowledge your team's achievements, whether it’s hitting

a milestone or solving a complex problem.

7.     Amusement

Mark Twain once said, The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.

Humour helps relieve stress, fosters inclusivity, and strengthens team bonds. A quick laugh during a hectic workday can lighten the mood and improve focus. I always make time for a little fun daily, whether through reading punny jokes or a watching a funny video.

Tip: Lighten up meetings with a quick icebreaker or share a funny story to keep the mood relaxed and positive.

8.     Inspiration

Inspiration fuels innovation and increased motivation. Instead of waiting for inspiration, actively cultivate it.

Tip: Share stories of success or remind your team of the bigger purpose behind their work to reignite passion and focus.

9.     Awe

Awe can be inspired by nature, art, and impressive individuals or feats, including acts of great skills or virtue.

Awe is the feeling we get when you encounter something vast or remarkable. It enhances collaboration, kindness, and creativity.

Tip: Instead of holding team meetings at the office, break the monotony. Encourage awe by organising trips to the museum or spending time outdoors to inspire your team and encourage closer collaboration.

10.  Love

Love for our work and the people we work with drives commitment and engagement. It creates a culture where everyone feels connected and supported.

Tip: Show appreciation and care for your colleagues to build a culture of high engagement and collective success.

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Which Positive Emotions Are You Cultivating?
By intentionally focusing on these emotions, we can build resilience, creativity, and high performance. Start by incorporating one or two into your leadership approach this week and see the difference it makes.

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For Further Reading:
If you want to dive deeper into positive psychology, check out:
• Barbara Fredrickson’s "Positivity: Groundbreaking Research to Release Your Inner Optimist and Thrive"
• Martin Seligman’s "Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being — and How to Achieve Them"

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Looking forward to hearing how these emotions impact your performance! Share your thoughts in the comments section of this post—I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,
Serina