Optimism is Developed

How to Adjust Your Happiness "Set Point"

“How are you so happy all the time?” a friend joked to me the other day.

“It’s like you never have bad days…which is kind of annoying!”

FACT #1: I am not happy ALL the time.

FACT #2: I have very hard times and bad days (just like everyone else)

FACT #3: I have worked very hard to intentionally choose my attitude and response to difficult circumstances which influences my behavior and boosts my optimism.

Did you know that optimism can be developed?

Research in positive psychology has shown that everyone has a happiness “set point” which is the stable baseline level of happiness we return to over time.

While genetic and personality factors play a role in the level of one’s “set point,” research (and my own personal practice) shows that individuals have power to adjust their happiness - both increasing and decreasing it.

But HOW do I actually DO that, Leslie?