Unlock Everyday Happiness: 3 Simple Steps to Positive Thinking

March 1, 2024 | By Johnny Lascha, Beachside Health & Life Coaching

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Unlock Everyday Happiness: 3 Simple Steps to Positive Thinking

In our fast-paced world, where negativity dominates, maintaining a sense of happiness and well-being can feel like an uphill battle. However, numerous studies suggest that cultivating positive thinking can significantly enhance our daily lives and overall happiness.

Recently, my elderly parents were hospitalized. They have been married 72 years, but these last two weeks, they have been in different facilities and it has been hard on them. There is a part of me that knows they will be heading for heaven sooner rather than later. Yet, another part of me resists them leaving us.

My dad fears leaving before my mom, who is suffering with Alzheimer’s. While visiting him, as his thoughts drifted to that fear, I shifted the conversation to how mom is actually enjoying spending time with my sister. And how she is being taken care of, moving his thoughts away from fear to envisioning his wife happy, not feeling lost or confused.

Like magic, he began to smile, and his energy shifted to feeling positive. This not only makes him feel good in the moment but also helps his recovery time because our bodies do not heal well while feeling stress and negative emotions.

According to research by Barbara Fredrickson, the author of “Positivity,” intentionally countering each negative thought with at least three positive ones can transform our mindset and improve our outlook on life.

Fredrickson's work defines positivity as the ratio of positive to negative emotions in our daily experiences. She emphasizes the importance of fostering positivity to enhance our resilience, creativity, and overall well-being. Similarly, the Rosado principle and Shirzad Chamine's “Positive Intelligence” highlight the contagious effect of positivity, suggesting that three positive thoughts are needed to counteract each negative one.

In relationships, renowned relationship psychologist John Gottman's research underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy ratio of positive to negative interactions. Gottman suggests that a ratio of at least five positive thoughts or experiences for every negative one is essential for sustaining strong, fulfilling relationships.

Train Your Brain

Our brains are wired to remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones as a survival mechanism. This tendency served our ancestors well in avoiding dangers, but in modern times, it often leads us to overlook the beauty and joy in our lives. However, with intentional effort, we can retrain our minds to focus on the positive aspects of our daily experiences.

Here are three steps to help build neural pathways for positive thinking and enhance everyday happiness:

Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness of your thoughts and emotions throughout the day. When negative thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and intentionally shift your focus to positive aspects of the situation or your surroundings. Mindfulness meditation is effective in training your brain to notice and appreciate the present moment.

Gratitude Journaling: Dedicate a few minutes each day to reflect on things you're grateful for. Writing down three things you're thankful for can help shift your focus from negativity to positivity. Over time, this practice can rewire your brain to naturally gravitate toward gratitude and appreciation.

Foster Positive Relationships: Prioritize nurturing positive connections with others. Make an effort to express appreciation and affection toward your loved ones regularly. Practice active listening and focus on highlighting the strengths and positive qualities of your partner or friends. Building a supportive network of positive relationships can significantly contribute to your overall happiness and well-being.

In conclusion, adopting a mindset of positive thinking is a powerful tool for enhancing everyday happiness and overall life satisfaction. By intentionally countering negative thoughts with positive ones and prioritizing positivity in our relationships and daily experiences, we can cultivate a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Meet Our Thought Leader

Owner of Beachside Health & Life Coaching, LLC, Johnny Lascha is a certified life coach and health coach, trained in the Habit Change Coaching Method. His niches include relationships, increasing energy, lowering stress, rebuilding self-esteem, weight loss and reducing the habit of self-sabotage. He’s also a group facilitator of the Gottman Institute’s ‘Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.' BeachsideHealthAndLifeCoaching.net