11 Ways to Ensure a Happy Rewarding Life and Career

THE BENEFITS OF POSITIVITY

Barbara Fredrikson is the author of Positivity, and her work has shown that a reasonable aim is to have a ration of three “heartfelt” positive experiences to each negative experience. This formula requires positive experiences to be authentic – just pasting a smile on your face or faking; it does not meet the test of authenticity.

The ratio of one negative experience to three positive experiences is a tipping point and predicts whether people will flourish or languish.

Research shows that each individual has a set point for positive emotions. Some people more naturally gravitate to Positivity, whereas others more naturally gravitate toward negativity.

Because research finds that Positivity is more beneficial, those with a general proclivity toward negativity may wonder if they are doomed to having a less happy and rewarding life.

Fortunately, they can actively increase their Positivity and reap the benefits generated by being more authentically positive.

11 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR POSITIVITY AT WORK  

1. “Find positive meaning in situations.” – What is the blessing or gift in each situation, and what did you learn from the experience?
2. “Savor goodness.” – When something pleasant happens, enjoy it to its fullest.
3. “Count your blessings.” – What good things can you be grateful for each day?
4. “Kindness counts.” – What kind of word or act can you offer in the situation you are experiencing?
5. “Follow your passions.” – Find out what makes you come alive and do it.
6. “Dream about your future.” –  What do you want? If you were to create your best life, how would you describe it?
7. “Apply your strengths.” – Find out what your strengths are and use them often.
8. “Connect with others.” – No person is an island. We need each other. Build relationships that support and nurture you.
9. “Connect with nature.” – Take a walk. Watch a sunrise or sunset. Get your feet on the ground. Hug a tree. Splash in a puddle. Breath fresh air. Fly a kite. Let nature nurture you.
10. “Open your mind.” – Have a beginner’s mind, one that is open to learning new things. Expand your thinking. Invite different perspectives.
11. “Open your heart.” –  How can you be more inclusive? What touches your being? 

If you find yourself struggling to stay positive, you are not alone. You can learn to counterbalance negativity by cultivating a growth mindset. Teena Evert Career and Life Coach can help you make the critical mindset shift to stop patterns of self-sabotage so you can flourish.