Amazing stuff from psychologist Shaun Anchor on the "science" of happiness and success. No surprise, Anchor finds that focusing on the negative is detrimental. He claims, 90% of your long term happiness is determined by your internal world, how your brain processes the outside world.
Success doesn't equal happiness. The opposite is true. Happiness creates success.
"Think positive" has become such a cliche sound byte and rally cry that it has become practically meaningless. It is often used in a failed attempt to cheer someone up but often just results in invalidating their feelings. The good news is there is a science behind building a positive thought process. There are specific steps you can take to be more happy. How?
Gratitude
Journaling
Exercise
Meditation (Step 11)
Random Acts Of Kindness
Think of three things you are grateful for. Now write them down. Tomorrow do three more.
Also journaling each day about a positive experience, exercising, meditation and practicing random acts of kindness (as simple as writing one quick positive email each day thanking someone in your social support network). This helps you relieve stress and relive positive experiences. Your brain will begin to retain the pattern of scanning the world more for it's positive attributes.
According to Anchor, it takes just 2 minutes per day for three weeks to "rewire your brain". Your energy levels will rise, you will become more productive and your creativity will increase!
http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html#.TywqAubcKIw.email
Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children
