Happiness - A Matter of Focus
Imagine for a moment you have been given a task. That task is
to count the number of times five basketballs are passed
between a group of people who are running around each other.
Assuming that the exercise requires your full concentration,
what is the chance that you would notice a gorilla walk right
into the middle of the group, beat it's chest and then walk
away again? Should be obvious right? Well according to a study conducted at Harvard university, in
some circumstances as little as eight percent of people notice
the gorilla! The reason is that our perception often has a lot to do with
what we are focusing on, and less to do with what is really
there. In order to process complex information we have to
delete most of what goes on around us. For example, before now
did you notice how your shirt felt against your skin? When was
the last time you blinked? So the question is, if you are pessimistic - if you focus on
what is negative in a situation rather than what is positive -
what will your reality be? It is highly likely that if you
focus on bad, you will see and hear the bad and miss the good. Being pessimistic is not the same as being 'realistic'. It is
stripping your life of pleasure. Looking for the good in every
situation has the opposite affect. The more good you look for,
more more good (and happiness) you will get. (C) Copyright Petra Rankin 2005 Petra Rankin used powerful techniques to beat her own long-term
depression. She is now dedicated to teaching others how to be
happier and lead more successful lives. Her first book Fast Track
Your Success and Happiness is due to be launched in
September 2005 and is currently available for download as a free
e-book instead of paying $19.95. Limited time only!
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