Having a positive mindset comes with an unbelievable number of benefits, from better physical and mental health, to improved relationships and performance at work. If you've got a more negative bent, you're really missing out on a lot. Fortunately, my guest says it's possible to shift into a more positive gear. Her name is Dr. Catherine Sanderson and she’s a professor of psychology at Amherst College. In her latest book, The Positive Shift, she highlights scores of studies that show how a positive mindset can make us healthier and happier, and how that mindset can be achieved. Today she shares those insights with us, beginning with debunking the idea that a positive outlook means being naively Pollyanna-ish in disposition. Catherine then walks us through what the research says about the surprisingly robust benefits of having a positive perspective which affect every area of your life. We then discuss specific tactics you can use to develop a more positive outlook, even if you have an inborn inclination towards being negative. Get the show notes at aom.is/positiveshift.

Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Polar Family Professor at Amherst College and expert on happiness, shares insights on the connection between giving and happiness. She delves into whether giving truly makes us happier or if happy people are simply more inclined to give. The conversation also uncovers the different types of giving and their unique impacts on mood. Plus, Sanderson discusses the benefits of gratitude letters in enhancing well-being, revealing the transformative power of generosity in our lives.

Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Polar Family Professor and chair of psychology at Amherst College, discusses the nuances of happiness and the importance of a positive mindset. She challenges the myths surrounding positive thinking, emphasizing that true happiness requires deliberate actions. The conversation touches on the significance of empathy and understanding in personal growth, especially in challenging times. Sanderson also provides insights into effective stress management and the role of meaningful relationships in cultivating joy.