If we can find a way of becoming positive in the present, then our brains work even more successfully as we’re able to work harder, faster and more intelligently. We need to be able to reverse this formula so we can start to see what our brains are actually capable of. Because dopamine, which floods into your system when you’re positive, has two functions. Not only does it make you happier, it turns on all of the learning centers in your brain allowing you to adapt to the world in a different way. | |
We’ve found there are ways that you can train your brain to be able to become more positive. In just a two-minute span of time done for 21 days in a row, we can actually rewire your brain, allowing your brain to actually work more optimistically and more successfully. We’ve done these things in research now in every company that I’ve worked with, getting them to write down three new things that they’re grateful for for 21 days in a row, three new things each day. And at the end of that, their brain starts to retain a pattern of scanning the world not for the negative, but for the positive first. | |
Journaling about one positive experience you’ve had over the past 24 hours allows your brain to relive it. Exercise teaches your brain that your behavior matters. We find that meditation allows your brain to get over the cultural ADHD that we’ve been creating by trying to do multiple tasks at once and allows our brains to focus on the task at hand. And finally, random acts of kindness are conscious acts of kindness. We get people, when they open up their inbox, to write one positive email praising or thanking somebody in their support network. | |
And by doing these activities and by training your brain just like we train our bodies, what we’ve found is we can reverse the formula for happiness and success, and in doing so, not only create ripples of positivity, but a real revolution. | |
— Shawn Achor | |
From a TED Talk located at: | |
[Originally found at one of the blogs I follow called “Rethinking Life” and is located at: http://gigisrantsandraves.wordpress.com/ | |
The actual post is located at: http://gigisrantsandraves.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/funny-and-great-talk-about-how-to-be-happya-ted-talk/ | |
Well worth a visit to Gigi’s site, but caution, it can be addictive. — kmab] | |
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On This Day In: | |
2023 | Once Is Rarely Enough |
2022 | Or Less Perceptive |
2021 | We Need Professional Journalists AND The First Amendment |
It Was Rainin’ Hard (Taxi) | |
2020 | Neither Alone, Nor Lonely |
Giving | |
2019 | That’s Why It’s Called Faith |
2018 | So We Agree, #45 Is Dumb – Too |
2017 | The Morality Of Spying |
2016 | He Doesn’t Remind Me Of Me |
The First Rule | |
2015 | Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow |
The Man Without Fear | |
2014 | I Blame Robocop |
2013 | Future Trustees |
2012 | Praise Not The Day… |
2011 | Educated Living |
Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow
April 12, 2015 by kmabarrett
This is quite incredible, Kevin. I’m afraid I’m going to have a lot of reading to do from now on just to keep up with this blog. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Marie,
Thank you! I think that is the best comment / compliment I’ve every received on this blog. Here’s to more reading!!
I appreciate the compliment! You deserve itl