Principle #3: The Tetris Effect
We are all plugged into The Matrix and our choices our predetermined and stuck in non-changing patterns. We are maladaptive and very easily become fixed in that the way we see the world is the only possible way. Or at least that's how I interpreted Achor's view of people who are not yet aware of the happiness advantage.
It is true that often society as a whole can become stuck in a way of thinking and change is not easy to come by. We are programmed to think negatively and a change from this method isn't always natural. However, this mindset can be very detrimental in seeking true happiness. "Constantly scanning the negative comes with a great cost. It undercuts our creativity, raises our stress levels, and lowers our motivation and ability to accomplish goals" (90). If we were to instead search for the positive we instead find happiness, gratitude, and optimism.
Consequences of positive and negative are the biggest differences between the two mindsets and often are the biggest determiners between success and failure. If we practice hard we can overcome this tetris effect, even though it may not be easy. I agree with Achor's metaphor in viewing the world with rose-tinted glasses: make sure you are paying attention to the negative, but your true focus should be on the positive. Be realistic and the good things will fall in line.
Principle #4: Falling Up
Falling up is essentially the "getting back in the saddle again" idea mixed with "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". "By scanning our mental map for positive opportunities, and by rejecting the belief that every down in life leads us only further downward, we give ourselves the greatest power possible: the ability to move up not despite our setbacks, but because of them" (109). Of all the principles I related to this on a very personal level.
Achor likens this concept to "Post-traumatic Growth". After the unimaginable happens, you get stronger and better for it. In 2010, I was diagnosed with a chronic condition that would one day lead to a kidney transplant or dialysis. At 22, I thought the world was over. I would have loved to have had a copy of this book. He notes that by falling upwards we use adversity to push us forward (110). With any tragedy or traumatic incident, it is natural to want to give up. By using having the happiness advantage, it becomes natural to make the best of the situation.
Principle #5: The Zorro Circle
I love Shawn Achor for referencing one of my favorite movies: "The Mask of Zorro". He is comparing tackling goals to that of Antonio Banderas' character of Zorro. Before he can learn, he has to master a very small goal- his teacher draws a small circle in the sand and the Zorro is not allowed to leave this circle until he is told he can. While it is frustrating, he is learning mastery and success through dedication and time. By using this idea of control over the smaller goals, happiness becomes more attainable.
Achor talks about the use of The Thinker, our evolved innate ability to think and then react. It is not a conscious decision rather a biological one. However, when something stressful or out of our control happens, The Jerk comes in irrationally and responds with fight or flight. By using the Zorro Circle, happy people become self-aware of the problems, and then learn what they can and cannot control. Then, they make a small, accomplishable goal, and move forward from there. "The point: Small successes can add up to major achievements. All it takes is drawing that first circle in the sand" (144).
We are all plugged into The Matrix and our choices our predetermined and stuck in non-changing patterns. We are maladaptive and very easily become fixed in that the way we see the world is the only possible way. Or at least that's how I interpreted Achor's view of people who are not yet aware of the happiness advantage.
It is true that often society as a whole can become stuck in a way of thinking and change is not easy to come by. We are programmed to think negatively and a change from this method isn't always natural. However, this mindset can be very detrimental in seeking true happiness. "Constantly scanning the negative comes with a great cost. It undercuts our creativity, raises our stress levels, and lowers our motivation and ability to accomplish goals" (90). If we were to instead search for the positive we instead find happiness, gratitude, and optimism.
Consequences of positive and negative are the biggest differences between the two mindsets and often are the biggest determiners between success and failure. If we practice hard we can overcome this tetris effect, even though it may not be easy. I agree with Achor's metaphor in viewing the world with rose-tinted glasses: make sure you are paying attention to the negative, but your true focus should be on the positive. Be realistic and the good things will fall in line.
Principle #4: Falling Up
Falling up is essentially the "getting back in the saddle again" idea mixed with "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". "By scanning our mental map for positive opportunities, and by rejecting the belief that every down in life leads us only further downward, we give ourselves the greatest power possible: the ability to move up not despite our setbacks, but because of them" (109). Of all the principles I related to this on a very personal level.
Achor likens this concept to "Post-traumatic Growth". After the unimaginable happens, you get stronger and better for it. In 2010, I was diagnosed with a chronic condition that would one day lead to a kidney transplant or dialysis. At 22, I thought the world was over. I would have loved to have had a copy of this book. He notes that by falling upwards we use adversity to push us forward (110). With any tragedy or traumatic incident, it is natural to want to give up. By using having the happiness advantage, it becomes natural to make the best of the situation.
Principle #5: The Zorro Circle
I love Shawn Achor for referencing one of my favorite movies: "The Mask of Zorro". He is comparing tackling goals to that of Antonio Banderas' character of Zorro. Before he can learn, he has to master a very small goal- his teacher draws a small circle in the sand and the Zorro is not allowed to leave this circle until he is told he can. While it is frustrating, he is learning mastery and success through dedication and time. By using this idea of control over the smaller goals, happiness becomes more attainable.
Achor talks about the use of The Thinker, our evolved innate ability to think and then react. It is not a conscious decision rather a biological one. However, when something stressful or out of our control happens, The Jerk comes in irrationally and responds with fight or flight. By using the Zorro Circle, happy people become self-aware of the problems, and then learn what they can and cannot control. Then, they make a small, accomplishable goal, and move forward from there. "The point: Small successes can add up to major achievements. All it takes is drawing that first circle in the sand" (144).