It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of our every day experience – the disagreement we have with a co-worker, the boss we don’t like, the project that has just gone downhill. It’s easy to let these experiences completely overshadow the not so negative experiences we have.
Think about it – you’re in the line at the grocery store and you’re in the shortest line, but it is taking FOREVER. The longer lines around you seem to be moving at lightening speed and your line just isn’t budging. And you think “this ALWAYS happens.” But it doesn’t always happen. Most of the time, the shorter line is the quickest, but those experiences don’t stand out in our head because they are expected.
The same is true here. We expect – hope, perhaps – that things will move right along as they should so when they don’t, those occurrences make more of an impact in our consciousness. But you can change your perspective by focusing on the positive elements of your day.
Try this exercise:
- Before going to bed at night, think about three good things that happened that day. Now, here’s the important part: Think about what you did to make each good think happen.
- If you’re having trouble with a project at work, modify the exercise to focus on what went right with the project that day, and what you, your co-workers, or your client did to make that happen.
- If you’re in a neutral place during the day, simply ask yourself “when was I at my best today?” to celebrate the positive elements rather than overlooking look and letting them blend in to your daily experience.
This exercise may seem simple, but it works. Studies show that those who participate in the “three blessings” exercise are happier and less depressed than those who do not!
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