Cultivating Optimism & Gratitude with “Three Good Things”
By Jordana Confino*
Human beings have evolved to have a negativity bias whereby they spend far more time focusing on negative experiences than positive ones. This bias is particularly pronounced in lawyers who are literally trained to spot flaws and anticipate every negative eventuality. As a result, we tend to overlook the many positive things in our lives, missing out on opportunities for happiness and connection. But, luckily, it is possible to correct this bias by redirecting our focus to the positive. By listing three good things that have happened in your day and considering what caused them, you can tune into the sources of goodness in your life and cultivate optimism and gratitude – both of which have been shown to promote greater health and happiness.
Instructions:
At the end of each day, write down three things that went well for you that day and provide an explanation for why they went well. The items can be minor (e.g., “it was a beautiful day”) or major (e.g., “I earned a great promotion”). Note how the event made you feel at the time and how you feel about it now.
Explain what you think caused this event. Repeat every day for at least once a week.
Nothing Can Steal My Joy By Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint
My personal hashtag for daily living: Nothing can steal my joy. My hashtag is the constant reminder that joyfulness is a choice. We live in a society where everything external to us can have a ripple effect and interfere with joy if we choose to allow it. Joy Affirmation: Today I’m visualizing happiness. I am living with joy. Today. Right now. In the moment. Every day I attract circumstances and situations that fill me with joy. Joy is my birthright. No matter what happens today, I will find the positive in it. Joy is my moment to moment, day to day choice. I choose to be joyful every day. Even in difficult times, I choose to see the good in life. When you ask me why I am so joyful, I answer. . . let me count the ways. My life of joy begins NOW.
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