Martin Seligman is recognized as the prime mover of the “positive psychology” movement. His latest book, Flourish, strives to evolve from “authentic happiness” to “well-being” theory.
Among the many excellent ideas in Flourish, one jumped out: Seligman’s “What-Went-Well Exercise (Also Called ‘Three Blessings’).”
Three Blessings Exercise
Here’s how it works:
Every night for the next week, set aside ten minutes before you to sleep. Write down three things that went well today and why they went well.
A Few Details
Seligman elaborates:
—you must write the blessings down (can be computer or by hand);
—they can be small things—and/or major things;
—next to each positive recollection, ask—and answer: Why did this happen?
Change Your World
Seligman urges that one stick with this for one week. His hope: that you’ll become habituated to it.
In this small way, one can begin to change longstanding habits of thought. Soon enough, you may change your world.