In the video below, Dr. Fredrickson points out the importance of planning your day with the intention of creating positive emotional experiences, and how that's more important than our usual problem-solving, task-oriented focus.
I would add that when you're in that problem/task focus, you're far more likely to activate the stress-producing fight/flight response. We are mammals, not reptiles...but we have a reptilian instinct (fight/flight/freeze), and when we choose the calm/connect option, we're rising to our highest and
best!
Start your day, every day with a practice of counting your blessings, writing in your gratitude journal, and mentally rehearsing the positive emotional experiences you want to have. This coincides perfectly with optimism journaling, which is the third part of your Goodfinding practice.
Remember...you're in the driver's seat. Your mental focus is creative, so why not create love, joy, and cool, calm connection? Make that your New Year's Resolution!
