April 29, 2024Nurturing Resilience and Overcoming Negative Thoughts

?Have you ever achieved a goal, only to quickly move on to the next thing? Or maybe you dwell on setbacks for days, replaying those negative thoughts in your mind?

This is a common human tendency called hedonic adaptation. It means we adjust to both positive and negative experiences. The bad news? We tend to focus more on the negative thoughts.

Think about a recent accomplishment. Can you recall the details with the same vividness as a setback? Our brains store negative experiences more readily, creating a “Netflix of negative memories” that can fuel pessimism and burnout.

The Secret Weapon: Savoring Positive Events

The good news? We can train our brains to savor positive experiences, building resilience for the inevitable challenges life throws our way. Here’s how:

• Take a moment to appreciate the good. Did you get a promotion? Celebrate! Savor the feeling for a minute, acknowledging your hard work and success.
• Focus on the details. When something good happens, don’t just skim over it. Engage your senses. Recall the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with the experience.
• Express gratitude. Share your win with someone you care about, or simply take a moment to appreciate what went well.

By savoring positive experiences, we create a richer catalog of positive memories. This mental “memory bank” acts as a buffer against negativity, making us more resilient when things get tough.

Remember, it’s not about ignoring the bad.

It’s about creating a balanced mental landscape where both positive and negative experiences are acknowledged and processed effectively.

So, the next time something good happens in your life, take a moment to savor it. You’re building mental strength for the future, one positive memory at a time.

Interest more on the topic? Watch this clip from our interview with Suneel Gupta: