Think of someone you have a relationship with – a friend, lover, coworker, a company. Now consider five things happen with this person or entity that are positive; four things happen that are neutral; and one thing happens that is negative. What is the one we tend to think about when we go to sleep?
I heard the above on a video I was watched of Rick Hanson, Ph.D. giving a TED talk. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that since.
Focus on Happiness
We’ve heard the cliché about being half full or half empty. We’ve heard to focus on the positive not the negative. We’ve heard it. Yet does that really happen? I don’t think so, not as a whole. Look at social media if you’re not convinced. It’s full of opinionated complainers. Certainly there are exceptions, but those who are discontent seem to be shouting the loudest and the most often.
I recently witnessed one direct sales leader posing a question on Facebook, looking for advice how to handle the negative drama she was experiencing on her team page. I then saw that same consultant on a different Facebook page instigating the negative drama! She started the thread complaining. She wasn’t just venting frustrations; she was fueling a mutiny, complete with demanding graphics.
That little interaction made me think about what Rick Hanson said, “… five things happen with this person or entity that are positive; four things happen that are neutral; and one thing happens that is negative. What is the one we tend to think about when we go to sleep?” [Read more…] about Focus on Happiness
