Positivity Can Be Learned in 21 Days!

Late last night, Maria, one of my good friends, sent a video link sharing a great talk called, The Happy Secret to Better Work.  It sounded so sappy I didn't look at it then, I waited until I was getting ready for work to listen and had my children listen in as well.

Well, that sappiness I envisioned -- no where to be found in Shawn Achor's 12 minute talk.  First, he speaks so quickly you have to pay attention.  Next, in a span of 30 seconds into the talk, Shawn tells us he broke his sister's arm in an attempt to save her from an imaginary sniper bullet when she was 5 (and he was 7) and then he quickly relates that she "accidentally" falls/is pushed from the bunk bed and breaks her leg!

Yet, what he does next is what has created the career he currently enjoys and he can't wait to get up in the mornings because of that little incident with his sister.  The incident that kept her from yelling out in pain and telling their parents what had just happened (remember, her arm is broken too!)

Positivity is the key.  You have to listen Shawn tell it!  It's is hilariously funny.  A Harvard graduate, Shawn studied happiness (of all things!!).



But, what I will leave you with which is key is the steps that Shawn outlines at the very end of the talk.  There are 5 things that one can do daily that will create lasting positive change.  If these things are done for 21 days straight, they will re-wire one's brain to hunt for the positives in life.

Being positive, Shawn says, makes you 37% more productive!!!

Here are the 5 things:

1. Write down 3 new things that you are grateful for EVERY day
2. Journal about 1 positive thing that happened to you in the last 24 hours
3. Exercise
4. Meditate because it helps us to focus and shake off the societal ADHD that we are learning (yep, he said it!!)
5. Random Act of Kindness - write 1 email EVERY DAY praising a (different) colleague, co-worker, friend, or family member

 That's it!  Those are the 5 key steps.  Okay.  I'm off to start re-wiring my brain!!