Welcome to reThink Your Perspective’s blog. Your trusted space for unlocking potential, empowering mindsets, building productive habits, and boosting motivation. This post is the second in our series exploring Shirzad Chamine’s Positive Intelligence (PQ) Approach. Today, we delve into the science behind positive intelligence, helping you understand how it works and how you can use it to enhance your life.
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Understanding Positive Intelligence: The Science Behind Shirzad Chamine’s PQ Approach
In his best-selling book, “Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS“, Shirzad Chamine introduces a practical, neuroscience-based framework designed to help individuals boost mental fitness and performance.
The PQ Approach blends principles from:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive psychology
- Emotional intelligence
It teaches us to recognise and weaken our inner Saboteurs (negative thought patterns), while strengthening our Sage (our inner wisdom). Let’s explore how this system works.
The Triad of the Brain: Saboteur, Sage and Self-Command
At the heart of the PQ Approach is what Chamine calls the “Triad of the Brain”. This model explains our internal mental dynamics and gives us tools to make positive shifts.
1. The Saboteur
The Saboteurs are automatic survival responses rooted in the subconscious. They create fear, self-doubt, and self-criticism. These patterns aim to protect us but often hold us back.
Similar to Bob Proctor’s concept of Paradigms, Saboteurs are habits of thought formed through early experiences and social conditioning.
2. The Sage
The Sage also lives in the subconscious, representing our capacity for empathy, curiosity, innovation, and calm. However, unlike Saboteurs, our Sage powers require intentional activation. This is because the brain is more readily wired for survival than for growth.
3. Self-Command
Self-Command is our ability to consciously switch from Saboteur to Sage. It involves activating the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and emotional regulation.
The PQ Operating System: A Mental Upgrade
Think of the PQ Approach like upgrading your brain’s operating system. Just as a computer OS manages software, PQ helps manage your:
- Thoughts
- Emotions
- Behaviours
Here’s how:
1. Establishes Mental Fitness
Like an OS foundation, PQ builds mental resilience and emotional control.
2. Improves Mindset Management
PQ helps you interrupt negative thought cycles and replace them with Sage-powered responses.
3. Encourages Neural Rewiring
PQ leverages neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change based on practice and repetition.
4. Optimises Mental Performance
You’ll start to spot limiting beliefs, interrupt emotional triggers, and make empowered choices.
5. Promotes Continuous Growth
PQ isn’t a one-off fix. Like regular system updates, it’s a practice that evolves with you.
The Neuroscience of Neuroplasticity
One of the most powerful aspects of PQ is its grounding in neuroscience, particularly neuroplasticity.
This concept explains that the brain is malleable and continually forms new neural pathways. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices (central to PQ) lead to:
- Increased activity in areas related to positive emotion
- Enhanced self-awareness and cognitive control
Over time, consistent PQ exercises can physically reshape the brain to default to positivity.
How Saboteur Voices Impact Your Mind
Saboteurs activate the amygdala, the brain’s fear centre, which:
- Triggers stress hormones
- Impairs rational thinking
- Hinders problem-solving
By identifying your Saboteurs and using techniques like reframing and self-compassion, you shift brain activity back to the prefrontal cortex. This switch supports better emotional regulation and clearer thinking.
Positive Intelligence vs Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is your ability to understand and manage emotions. Positive Intelligence (PQ) helps shift your mindset to a more constructive, solution-focused state.
High PQ strengthens EQ. As your Sage powers grow, so does your capacity to:
- Build empathy
- Manage stress
- Deepen self-awareness
This synergy promotes better decision-making, healthier relationships, and increased resilience.
Final Thoughts: Rewire for Resilience
Chamine’s Positive Intelligence framework offers more than just self-help advice. It’s a science-backed system for:
- Overcoming inner resistance
- Creating positive mental habits
- Achieving your full potential
With regular practice, you can build a mind that supports your goals rather than sabotages them.
What Do You Think?
In the next blog post, we’ll explore the different Saboteur archetypes and how to work with each one.
If this resonates and you’re keen to dive deeper, get in touch!
- Message me here
- Connect on social media
- Or book a free discovery call
To your continued success,
Jaiye
