It turns out that there is research to support the positive thinking associated with Three Good Things! Researchers have found multiple health benefits that positive thinking provides, including:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
It’s not totally clear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. Work is often one of the most stressful environments and it is easy to identify the tasks we dislike doing. Consider implementing a
Three Good Things policy at the beginning of the weekly staff meeting. Yes, it may feel forced at first but after a few weeks you will know much more information about your co-workers and be more tuned in with the aspects of your job you truly enjoy!
So what is the magic of the “reset button” known as Three Good Things? The answer is simple- it focuses on cultivating and celebrating happiness. I came across a powerful article listing the “5 Steps to a Happy Life.”
I found myself smiling because each step was a manifestation of TGT!
Step 1: Believe Happiness Is a Choice
Sure, it isn’t always easy, but happiness is always an option! Now when I find myself in a bad situation, I know that it’s up to me to find the good and to be happy regardless of what’s happening around me. I am no longer pointing fingers or placing blame; I am in control of my happiness level and no one can take that away from me.
Step 2: Rid Your Life of Negativity
If you want to live a positive, joyful and happy life, you cannot be surrounded by negative people. I learned to focus on the positive people and things I was doing and let go of the negative ones.
Step 3: Look For The Positive In Life
There is the positive aspect in everything. In every person, in every situation, there is something good. Most of the time it’s not all that obvious. We have to look. And sometimes we have to look hard. If you really take the time to look, you will usually find something good, something really positive, about every person or situation.
Step 4: Reinforce Positivity In Yourself
Once I started thinking more positively and adapted to a more positive attitude, I realized I had to reinforce these thoughts and behaviors in myself so they would stick. The best and easiest way to do this is to be positive when it comes to who you are.
Step 5: Share Happiness With Others
Not only do you need to be positive with yourself for this new positive attitude to really take effect, you also need to be positive with others. You have to share your wealth of positivity with the world. Strive to be encouraging and supportive.
My pursuit of happiness is far from perfect and there are days where it feels like my Three Good Things consist of coffee, coffee and coffee. But the most important word in the previous sentence is pursuit.
Happiness isn’t something to be attained or conquered. It is a part of our crazy journey through this life, something to be enjoyed with friends, family and co-workers.
I am hopeful that this blog will inspire families and organizations to hit the reset button and connect with each other in a combined quest for positivity, gratitude, and happiness. And maybe, just maybe, reading this blog will be a part of someone’s Three Good Things!
