Seems like the only premise I can remember from my basic Psychology class at the University is “Positive and Negative Reinforcement." This idea was presented in interaction with others to modify their behavior, but in reality can be how you treat yourself. For instance, if you do something good, reward yourself. This reward can be as simple as going for a walk in a park or along the river to as complex as purchasing for yourself a new watch or planning for an exotic vacation. On the opposite hand, if you do something bad, punish yourself with a scolding, hopefully silently, so others will not think you are weird, or any other means that sets you on a correct path of action. 

Many people like to cut grass (yes, believe it or not) because we get immediate positive visible results after execution. The mowing need not be finished to see results. After cutting a couple of rows, I can look back and see the anticipated beauty happening immediately. (The fact that I cannot hear the phone ring is just an added plus).

We are likely to repeat a behavior when the results feel good. This bit of joy causes me to remember when the next occurrence happens. According to "Atomic Habits" author James Clear: “What is rewarded is repeated. What is punished is avoided. Positive emotions cultivate habits. Negative emotions destroy them. Change is easy when it is enjoyable.”

All of us have encountered negative people in our daily routines and have wondered how to secure the situation with the least amount of repercussion. One suggestion to discourage negative people is to act dull and boring around them (negative reinforcement oh, yeah). Soon they seek the company of someone else, usually another negative person, who will provide positive vibes to them and you have defused the situation without even a cross word.

One of the most effective forms of positive reinforcement for a community or region is progress. We can see evidence for our area in the development of a new hotel, refurbishing the previous ones, new retail growth, adding high-paying jobs in industry and many others that all of us have completed, together.  A friend of mine reminds me often, “Activity draws activity!”

Let’s all take care of ourselves with positive reinforcement.

Standard contributor Don Alexander can be contacted at dalexander@southernstandard.com