The power of gratitude everyday
I was fortunate to see Shawn Achor speak at a conference a few years ago, it was in the spring of 2013. It was the first time I had listened to someone explain the scientific research, over 200 scientific studies on nearly 275,000 people, had been discovered in connection to our happiness. The secret of success is out.
Happiness is the precursor to success. If you are happy, all of the ‘other’ things we want, will show up in our lives.
See his live talk, listen to the stories of the research and your life can change forever. My life was changed. I am able to listen to a story, but when I hear of hundreds of people all around the world on every continent having gratitude positively effect their lives, I have to start participating.
Daily acts of gratitude can change your life.
It is not that I was not grateful before hearing his talk. The fact that I could start today, start intentionally living a life of gratitude changed every thing. Now I make a point every day to do some of the things Shawn had implemented in his book ,The Happiness Advantage.
The book outlines 7 principles of Positive Psychology. This is not a fad. The medical community is finally realizing how much of an impact our mental health can play in our physical well-being.
The principles.
It’s all in the mind. If you think you’re happy, you can make your self happier. “Fake it and you will make it.” Put a smile on and start to laugh, you will change your state and start to feel the physiological effects of happiness.
The Fulcrum and the Lever. Its all about the power of the mindset. The name of the principle comes from the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes who said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”
The Tetris Effect. How to re-train your brain to spot patterns of possibility rather than patterns of failure. Looking for the good will allow you to see the good in every situation.
Falling Up. The CEO of IBM said his success formula was simple. “Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t as all. You can be discouraged by failure — or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember, that’s where you will find success.” — Thomas J. Watson
The Zorro Circle. Keep your goals close to you and start with small ones that you can easily accomplish.
The 20-Second Rule. One third of a minute can change your whole life.
Social Investment. It’s not all about you. If you give, you will feel better. This is a time tested principle.
As we all get together this holiday season, let’s do more than be thankful for one day with family and a feast of food. Lets all do more all year round. This can be a lifestyle. There are some people that know about gratitude, they know how they feel giving thanks for everything. It’s your turn to take part in one of the easiest ways to improve your health. It all starts with a smile. Be grateful for today. Be thankful for what you have. Smile, you deserve it.
