I’ve watched a Ted Talk by psychologist Shawn Achor called “The Happy Secret to Better Work”.

Since I want to work better and want you to do so as well, I paid attention.

He makes a number of assertions:

Positive people perform better at work than negative people.

But, an outsider can’t take objective assessments and measure if you are positive. In other words, you can be very productive at work, but that doesn’t mean that you are positive.

Thus, if you are productive but not positive, you aren’t reaching your full potential.

I assume a negative person sees the glass half empty. Takes on a negative, pessimistic view of circumstances. Perhaps the work they do leaves them empty. Purposefully holds back on ideas or effort. Does enough to get by.

Once you get negative, your brain keeps you negative. The things you see and do take you down a negative path.

Achor says that there have been a series of exercises designed that will rewire your brain for positivity. You do them for 21 days and it shifts you to a positive mindset. Here they are:

Gratitude x3-write down 3 things every day for which you are grateful.

Journaling-take one of the things you are grateful for and journal why it is so.

Exercise-put exercise among your habits. Engaging in physical exercise generates a chemical push within your body that provides a sense of well-being and satisfaction.

Meditation-take several minutes and sit quietly in silence. It clears your head of cobwebs.

Random Acts of Kindness-daily do a random act of kindness. At the very least, send an email or note of thanks to someone who doesn’t expect it.

You’re 21 days from a more positive mindset. See how it works.