Becoming Superman: A Journey from Childhood Challenges to Positive Psychology

Childhood Experience/Becoming Superman

As the youngest of four brothers, I often found myself at the mercy of their teasing and manipulation. They would use me as a scapegoat, convincing me that I was a superhero capable of conquering anything. This belief was put to the test one summer when my brother Curt, then 11 years old, and I, at 7, spent our days in the back fields of our home in Idaho building a treehouse.

Curt's plan involved me playing the role of Superman to tie a rope around a branch 40 feet high. He tied a rock to the rope, threw it over the branch, and then attached the other end to the back of a three-wheeler. These machines were notoriously dangerous, and I was understandably nervous about holding onto the rope while Curt drove forward to lift me to the branch

There are different accounts of what happened next, but let me tell you the true story. To calm my nerves, Curt reminded me that I was Superman and would soon be flying. Believing in my newfound superpowers, I held on tight as I soared 30-40 feet into the air. Curt stopped the three-wheeler, but my grip eventually weakened, and I fell, breaking my arm. Curt, fearing our father's wrath—a tough farmer—tried to comfort me by pointing out that I had landed like Superman.

This manipulation was powerful. Instead of focusing on the pain and fear, my brain latched onto the idea of being Superman. With a smile, I got back up, embracing my new identity despite my broken arm. When our dad found out, we were in trouble, and Curt was grounded for two weeks. I wore a cast for three months but continued to face challenges with the mindset that I was indestructible.

Positive Psychology

At a young age, Curt and I unknowingly tapped into what would later be known as positive psychology—a scientific approach to understanding happiness and well-being. Positive psychology explores how we can improve our mental health and overall happiness by changing the way our brains process the world.

The Science of Happiness

Research shows that our external world predicts only 10% of our long-term happiness. The remaining 90% is determined by how our brains process the world. By changing our perspective, we can improve our happiness and success. Studies indicate that 75% of job success is predicted by our optimism, social support, and ability to view stress as a challenge rather than a threat.

Programmed by Default for Survival

Our brains are naturally more attuned to negative stimuli—a trait that evolved to help us avoid danger. This "negativity bias" means that bad news makes a bigger impact on us than good news. Studies by John Cacioppo, Ph.D., demonstrate that our brains react more strongly to negative stimuli, a survival mechanism that now affects every aspect of our lives.

Reversing the Formula for Happiness and Success

The traditional formula for success—work harder to achieve more and then be happier—is flawed. Each time we achieve a goal, the bar for success is raised, pushing happiness further out of reach. Instead, we need to raise our positivity in the present, which enhances our performance and success. Research shows that a positive brain is 31% more productive, 37% better at sales, and doctors are 19% faster and more accurate in diagnoses when positive.

Rewiring Your Brain

We can train our brains to become more positive. Simple exercises, such as writing down three things you're grateful for each day, journaling about positive experiences, exercising, meditating, and performing random acts of kindness, can rewire your brain to focus on the positive. These practices create a pattern of scanning the world for good rather than bad, leading to increased happiness and success.

Conclusion

By embracing positive psychology, we can reverse the formula for happiness and success. This shift not only enhances individual well-being but also drives organizational success. At 360 Direct Video, we are aiming to foster a culture of positivity to create ripples of happiness, ultimately leading to a thriving and successful organization.