The Happiness Advantage
How do you approach problems?
I love Mondays! Anytime I say this a lot of people look at me like I’m crazy. They always wonder why I am so hyped up about starting the week with energy and vigour to take on the world. What they don’t know is that I make myself love Mondays, I remind myself of all I can achieve during the week, the impact I can make in people’s lives, and the endless possibilities.
In a world filled with daily challenges and demands, it is easy to overlook the profound impact of a positive mindset on our productivity and overall well-being. During a recent conversation that I had with Ashley Immanuel (Co-founder of Semicolon) on The Grinders Table podcast, she talked about the importance of being deliberate and cultivating a positive mindset to tackle everyday problems.
Listen to the full conversation here - Unlocking potential with Ashley Immanuel (Co-founder, Semicolon)
During our conversation, Ashley also quoted renowned positive psychology researcher Shawn Achor, who delivered an inspiring TED Talk on the "Happiness Advantage." Achor revealed that when we prioritize happiness and adopt a positive mindset, our brains become a whooping 31% more productive compared to when they are in a negative, neutral, or stressed state.
To delve deeper into the concept of the Happiness Advantage, I invite you to watch Shawn Achor's captivating TED Talk below:
Achor's research highlights the transformative power of positivity. When we approach challenges with a positive outlook, we enhance our cognitive abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This "happiness advantage" not only boosts our productivity but also enables us to navigate obstacles with resilience and optimism.
By consciously shifting our focus to the positive aspects of our lives, we can rewire our brains and develop a happiness mindset. Achor suggests simple practices such as expressing gratitude, engaging in regular exercise, practising mindfulness, and fostering positive social connections to cultivate happiness.
Incorporating these habits into our daily routines helps us create a positive feedback loop, fueling our motivation and productivity. As Achor eloquently puts it, "When we can change our mindset about stress, we can change the relationship we have with stress itself."
In conclusion, I’m not telling you this is an easy task but it is definitely worth the try! Adopting a deliberate and positive mindset has far-reaching implications for our productivity and overall well-being. By embracing the Happiness Advantage, we unlock our brain's full potential to navigate everyday problems with increased efficiency, creativity, and resilience. Let us continually learn to prioritize happiness and positivity, that way we can live more fulfilling lives.