We can do better. 21 day happiness challenge

Democracy at its finest; honesty is a core value in developing strong organizations, collaborations and strategies.

An important part of civic responsibility is related to giving critical feedback. Even healthy relationships can bring about disagreement, hostility, indifference, embarrassment and a host of other feelings and emotions.  The last few days’ posts on social media seem to be moving from positive to negative. Yes critical feedback is tough but it is critical we hear it and take the good from discussion and grow.

Did you know? Studies have shown cultivating a more positive, optimistic mindset can increase productivity by 31 percent, chances of promotion by 40 percent and decrease the negative effects of stress by 23 percent. And this is just a snippet of an overwhelming body of research that shows focusing on fostering gratitude, being solution-focused when faced with a problem and staying meaningfully connected to the people around us pays huge dividends.

On Sunday September 30 let’s celebrate World Heart Day for second day by assisting each other with a pledge to reduce stress and improving our heart health by committing to the 21 day happiness challenge

1. DIRECT YOUR FOCUS.

Each day, make a goal to simply add three smiles to your day. Sounds too easy, but when you smile, your brain changes and you actually feel happier. If you're at work or dropping your kids off at school — there are always people we see that we may not acknowledge. Instead, try to consciously smile at them and see the reaction you get. This habit is powerful because you are showing your brain that there are people in your community you can connect with and it widens your circle.

Smiling also increases the amount of perceived social support you have as people you know smile back.

 2. PRACTICE GRATITUDE.

Write down or say out loud three NEW things you are grateful for — ideally with someone else each day. They can be simple, like “I’m grateful for this coffee,” or “I’m grateful for the sunshine,” but you cannot repeat any over the course of 21 days. Doing this trains your brain to see more positives in the world. Your brain actually gets better at being more positive.

 3. SPREAD POSITIVITY.

Each day just say a nice compliment to three different people, like “you have the best smile” or “you are so compassionate!” It has to be a real compliment to work. But when you do it, watch how much it recharges your battery, as you realize you have the power to make a positive world. The more meaningful and specific you are with others, often the greater the benefit.

 4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF.

Use your supercharged battery to fill up someone else’s battery by doing one random act of kindness EVERY day, like picking up someone’s mail for them or getting them a coffee when you know they are feeling drained. This is obviously good for the recipient, but it’s also often a bonus for you.

Chronic stress is toxic. We can do better. Take the 21 day happiness challenge, do something each day to change your day and it will positively impact someone.

The challenge is based on https://www.shawnachor.com/the-books/the-happiness-advantage/