Actually, the truth is opposite of how we usually think. Happiness is not dependent on success. Success is dependent on happiness. According to research by Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage, 75% of success is determined by your happiness. A positive attitude equals success. The best thing about this research is that you can train your brain to be more positive. Yes, being positive is learned behavior. You choose to be happy…or not. I have some experience with this choice and let me tell you choosing to be happy is a lot more fun. So, this might be worth the investment. Here are some practical techniques you can do to train your brain to be happy.
Gratitude:
“Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Count Your Blessings is a classic gospel hymn that many of us know. Make it part of your day to name three new things for which you are grateful. If you do this for 21 days you will have counted 63 gratitudes, but more importantly you will have established a positive habit.
Journaling:
Write down one positive experience from the past 24 hours. By writing down the details, you are actually reliving the positive experience (Philippians 4:8).
Exercise:
Sure, we know exercise is good for us. It keeps our weight down; it makes us stronger, and it keeps us feeling youthful. But, did you know that exercise can also make you happier? Exercise releases the “happy” chemical into our brains, dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter necessary for feelings of pleasure and happiness. What is the best way to increase your brain’s dopamine production? Exercise. So, walk, run, lift, jump, play — and get happy (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Meditation:
This allows our brains to block out distractions and focus on one thing at a time. So, don’t just read the Bible, meditate on the scriptures daily. Soak it up and apply each concept, one at a time, to your life (Joshua 1:8).
Acts of Kindness:
Do something thoughtful for others. “Lord, expand my territory. Help me to minister your light and your love to someone today.” As humans, we are wired to feel the greatest self-esteem when we know what we do is worthwhile… when we know we are making the world a better place (Galatians 6:10).
Positive Self-talk:
Each of us has a set of messages playing over and over in our heads. One of the ways to promote optimism, hope, and happiness is to intentionally fill our thinking with positive self-talk (Proverbs 18:21 and Luke 6:43-45).
So, If a positive attitude equals success, let’s choose happiness and develop a positive attitude. Which one of these practical techniques might you work to deepen? Which one might you begin to develop today?
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10)
Copyright © 2019 Chuck Locklear
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