Today, when I checked my inbox, I found an e-mail from one of my readers. She pointed me in the direction of a TED Talk by Shawn Achor about re-wiring your brain. I loved this video so much, I’ve decided to share it with you:
Click on the photo to view the Ted Talk. I highly recommend that you do.
Have you watched the video (if not, watch it before continuing)? Are you inspired? I am, which is why I’ve decided to outline the challenge for anyone who is interested in taking this on.
First, here was Shawn’s thesis statement(essentially) for this lecture:
“If you can raise someone’s level of positivity in the present, then their brain experiences a HAPPINESS ADVANTAGE.”
“Your brain at positive performs significantly better (31% better) than it does at negative, neutral or stressed. Your intelligence rises, your creativity rises, and your energy levels rise.
NOW FOR THE CHALLENGE
The challenge consists of 5 activities that you commit to doing everyday for 21 days (that’s only 3 weeks… you can do anything for 3 weeks).
- Record 3 new things that you’re grateful for (this will rewire your brain to recognize and look for the positive)
- Journal about one positive experience (this will help your brain to relive that positive memory in lieu of the negative or embarrassing ones which tend to take up space in our heads)
- Exercise (this teaches your brain that your behaviour matters. The key with this is to do manageable amounts of exercise every day (one day could – and should – be a stretching day). You don’t want to burn yourself out. You’re teaching yourself discipline, and proving to yourself that you can follow through on your promises)
- Meditation (this will help you to get over the cultural ADHD that exists all around us, and will allow your body and mind to focus on the task at hand).
- Random Acts of Kindness (when you open your e-mail, or twitter, or Facebook – write one positive post or e-mail that praises or thanks someone in your social support network…. I wonder if that’s what Linda was doing when she wrote me that lovely e-mail).
It’s a fantastic challenge. Just difficult enough to make a difference, but not so hard that it becomes daunting. Many of the components of this challenge take no time at all. It’s really more of an awareness thing.
——————————————
Did you enjoy this post? The links below are associate link. If you’d like to read more about the Happiness Advantage, by using the links below you’re not paying anymore, but you’ll be supporting this blog. Thank you.
Pingback: What a brilliant idea…jump on the Happiness Train guys! – Happiness Day 1 – « Cause Kati Cat can!
just watched PBS and i am so excited to be thinking about being happier immediately…
I can tell you from firsthand experience the Happiness Advantage really does work! After reading the book it showed me a repeatable process I could use to teach the Happiness Advantage to others. So I started teaching it to my college students, and over the past year I’ve seen it turn peoples’ life around and even benefit whole families who adopted it!
In fact, I’m so convinced it’s that good that I started a movement to give away The Happiness Advantage book to strangers as a random act of kindness. Through private funding and the small donations from strangers, we will give away 365 books this year (for FREE) and hope to double that number next year. This is my way of spreading the Happiness Advantage, and helping others with a desire to improve their lives. Check out the movement’s website and let us know what you think: ShareTheAdvantage.org.
I would love to receive a copy!
I have found this principle to be absolutely true! I have found love/affirmation/happiness to be a terrific motivator and achievement booster. In both the position of being a teacher/leader, and the position of being a student/employee, I have found that joy and affirmation produces inner strength and creativity.
I know I’m really late to this game but I recently discovered and loved The Happiness Advantage. Did you complete your challenge? How did you do? I’d like to take the challenge on now!
When I originally posted this, I had the intention of doing it, but I never committed. I am ready to make the commitment coming up. I’ll be starting the 21 Day Challenge on March 9th if you need motivation! Did you try it?
I DO need motivation! March 9th is coming up! What’s the plan?
Pingback: Gratitude, FREE Yoga and 5 Healthy Habits You Should Try | The Positivity Project