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!
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
Don't Let Life Happen To You It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live... Read More
The Life Path is determined by the sum that is arrived at after reducing your birth date by adding digits together... Read More
Happiness is worth helping along... Read More
Laughter, humor, a lighthearted sense of being - all of these are an important part of a well-balanced breakfast, er, life... Read More
Many people live in clutter, emotionally eat themselves into overweight, live in debt, hate their jobs and otherwise live unhappy lives, unable and seemingly unwilling to change... Read More
Does the expression "single and happy" sound like an oxymoron to you? Are you weary of others (especially other singles) reinforcing the belief that singles cannot be happy? Do you find yourself always planning for the future or putting things off until you "are married and settled? Do you often have a sense that the intense feelings of happiness and joy cannot really be experienced unless you "have someone to share it with?" Do you just feel there is not enough time and other necessary resources available to the single person to pursue experiences that can bring true happiness?If the above resonates in your gut, do not despair... Read More
If there was ever a principle that was responsible for the most happiness and achievement in the world, it would be the 80/20 Principle... Read More