One of the core books for the first module is 'The How of Happiness' by Sonja Lyubomirsky and I had to choose one or two activities to trial over a eight week period that could potentially improve my happiness. My first step was to take the 'Person-activity fit' diagnostic (page 73) to determine my correct strategy. My results came back with:
1) Expressing gratitude
2) Cultivating optimism
3) Increasing flow experiences
I choose to work on number two, cultivating optimism and being 'my best possible self' over four days, I had to write for twenty minutes about my idea of being my absolute best as suggested by Laura King (2004). I made my own questions adapted from Kings, but basically I asked 'What would your ideal life be like if all your dreams came true?' Sheldon and Lyubomirsky (2006) found that most people found the strategy worthwhile and had positive feelings directly after finishing the exercise even after day one.
My results were that I felt optimistic, excited, joyful, peaceful and confident and had the energy to get my jobs done quickly and efficiently.
I would note that I kept to only the four days of writing, so that it felt fresh and not overpowering. I was kind to myself and choose activities that I knew I could complete and be successful in, rather than setting any goal too high. It was a fun and simple exercise to do as long as there is no pressure and is done for enjoyment's sake. love dottie x
1) Expressing gratitude
2) Cultivating optimism
3) Increasing flow experiences
I choose to work on number two, cultivating optimism and being 'my best possible self' over four days, I had to write for twenty minutes about my idea of being my absolute best as suggested by Laura King (2004). I made my own questions adapted from Kings, but basically I asked 'What would your ideal life be like if all your dreams came true?' Sheldon and Lyubomirsky (2006) found that most people found the strategy worthwhile and had positive feelings directly after finishing the exercise even after day one.
My results were that I felt optimistic, excited, joyful, peaceful and confident and had the energy to get my jobs done quickly and efficiently.
I would note that I kept to only the four days of writing, so that it felt fresh and not overpowering. I was kind to myself and choose activities that I knew I could complete and be successful in, rather than setting any goal too high. It was a fun and simple exercise to do as long as there is no pressure and is done for enjoyment's sake. love dottie x