The focus of Act Happy Week is to educate the public about purposeful actions you can take to create chemical shifts in your body that drive Positive Emotions. Here is today’s exercise:
Pessimists look to the future and expect things to go wrong, while Optimists look to the future and expect things to go well.
Who’s right? Of course, they both are. The world will show up tomorrow with awe-inspiring events, brilliant moments of peace and joy… AND in some places terrible things will happen to good people and people will have reason to cry.
Remember that the media feed you the bad stuff and never point out that most of the planet is at peace and that, despite hardships, most people, most of the time, feel hopeful about tomorrow.
Respond positively to questions. When people ask how you are, reply, “Fabulous!” or “I’m quite well, thank you!” or even, “I’m happy!” Notice how your mood will shift upward.
Seek the better explanation. For example, if the sky is grey and overcast, remember that means you’ll have access to more fresh water soon.
There’s always tomorrow. Little Orphan Annie reminds us that no matter the troubles today, tomorrow will be better. Remember that especially when you eat the last bit of dark chocolate in the house. Tomorrow, you can find more.
People look to their leaders for signals about the future. Watch the words you use, and strive to describe a vision for your team or company that is inclusive, engaging, and hopeful. In crisis, be realistic about the troubles yet remind people that “we will get through this.”