How a Ted Video about a Happy Secret Led to A Challenge Accepted

I love TED.  Not a man, but the group.  TED is a nonprofit that is devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading."  There have been several videos that have gone viral and a blog that really enjoy written by Hannah Katy was recently added to the iPad TED line up.

Yesterday my mom sent me a video of Shawn Achor speaking, called "The Happy Secret to Better Work."  Right before falling asleep I decided to watch this video as a way to wind down.  So I dimmed my computer screen and lowered the volume (I had the start of a migraine) and began to watch.  I instantly liked this speaker and knew I would like the video, which has only happened a couple other times.

Image taken from Shawn Achor TED Video.
See "Happy Secret" Link above.  

I know that didn't hear the whole message of the video as I was exhausted.  But what I did get was a few laughs and this... small changes can make a big difference.  

Shawn posits that 5 small changes (outlined to the left) can increase our happiness and thus our productivity.  Each serves a purpose (you really should watch the video... this part is outlined in the last two minutes).

I felt inspired to give it a try.  Because who doesn't want to be a little happier, right?

The Changes:

1. 3 Gratitudes

"Write three new things that you are grateful for, every day, for 21 days.  

Your brain will retain a pattern of looking for the positive first." -Shawn Achor

2. Journaling 

"Journal one positive thing from the last 24 hours which allows you to relive it."  -Shawn Achor

3. Exercise 

"Teaches your brain that behavior matters..."  -Shawn Achor

4. Meditation

"Allows brain to get over cultural ADHD... focus on task at hand."  -Shawn Achor

5. Random Acts of Kindness

"... or Conscious Act of Kindness... write one positive email praising or 

thanking someone in your social support network."  -Shawn Achor

Challenge accepted!

First, for the next 21 days (really the rest of December) I am going to try and write 3 gratitudes and journal one positive from the previous 24 hours on this blog.  

Second, I am going to get more movement into my life.  While it's not full blown exercise, it's sure as heck more than I'm doing now.

Third, I will try some form of meditation at least three days a week.

Fourth, I will try to be more gracious and thankful to the people in my life.  Writing a positive email, text message or in conversation.  I will do this at least three days a week, if not more!

Then we shall see in three weeks, at the start of a new year, if I feel a little bit happier and a little more productive!  Even if the productivity doesn't increase, the practice of being consciously aware of the positive will be a great experience.

Many things in life can wait... but The Sunset Won't!