Negativity bias causes us to focus on the negative experiences, overshadowing the positive ones, leading to embitterment and unrealistic perspectives. Being absorbed by trivial complaints, such as airline food quality or temperature, obscures the reality of our privileged lives. Practicing gratitude, through reflection and journaling, can shift our focus from resentment, anger, and fear to conscious, metacognitive acknowledgment of the sources of good, ultimately leading to an enhanced appreciation of life.
Enjoy this episode of another show you might like: the Build the Life You Want Super Soul Podcast. Oprah and Arthur Brooks offer listeners a better understanding of the science behind happiness and why Arthur says, “Happiness is not a destination, happiness is a direction.” Together, they take questions from people across the country who have read Build the Life You Want and are curious how to apply topics from the book to their own lives. They discuss the “The Four Pillars of Happiness: Faith, Family, Friends and Work that Serves” as well as the power of metacognition which Oprah calls “one of the biggest contributions to people getting happier.” Arthur Brooks explains how using “emotional caffeine” can lead to greater happiness and how having “a better storage of emotions” can block anxiety and depression.
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