Success Habit #1 for 2014
Happy New Year! we exclaimed as 2014 began. We were excited at the thought of a new beginning, and for moving
on from the old year. Out with the old, in with the new as the saying goes. We may have made resolutions or set intentions to do things differently this time around the calendar. The more popular ones involve our nutritional health or our financial health. We want to look better and live better
if you are like most folks.
I would suggest that we might define "better" as a year in which we successfully navigate the challenges of our lives and find in the midst of this: Happiness.
And if we are to find this happiness it requires that we deveop new habits of mind. So this week let's look at the first of these.
Cultivate Positive Emotion
According to Barbara Fredrickson, a noted psychologist in the field of positive psychology, when we cultivate positive emotion, we find more meaning and purpose in life. We have fewer aches and pains and develop a stronger immune system. We feel more effective in what we do and are better able to savor the good things in life.
So how do we do this? How do we increase our positivity?
Barbara Fredrickson recommends the following. So do I!
1) Become aware of the present moment. Most moments are positive ones but often we end up missing many an opportunity to experience these positive moments when we are upset about a past event or worried about the future. So open to this moment. And consider this: Is this moment filled with goodness? Absolutely! Identify all that is good in this very moment.
2) Think about what you can do for another person in your life. Then act upon it. It may be a simple kind word or an exchange of a smile or compliment. Or it may be a bigger expression of appreciation. Do this and pay attention to how you feel. By raising your awareness of how you feel when you show a kindness you can increase your positivity.
3) Go outside when the weather is good. Studies show that when we spend just 30 minutes outside when the weather is good, we feel an improvement in our mood. So get outside!
4) Meditate. Practice the art of focusing on your inward and outward breath. There are many ways to get centered on your breathing. Pick the one that is right for you. There are many "brain- entrainment" programs on the market that can help support your practice.
5) Focus on your strengths. What strengths have you developed over the last year? Are you using these strengths? Studies show that when we are doing that which we are talented or skilled in doing, our emotions improve.
Cultivate your positive emotions this week! You will feel better as a result and will set yourself up for success after success.
Create a positive week!