A GREAT Exercise in Optimism This Thanksgiving

 




Dear Real Academics,


This week, I'd like to share a helpful exercise I came across from Ramit Sethi, a financial coach. 


For those interested in the source:
Ramit admits that he finds being positive hard. While he acknowledges that external circumstances can influence us in very negative ways, he believes positivity is a personal choice. 


So, here goes the exercise (Ramit's words are in blue):
Today, I want you to answer these three questions:

  1. What are all the sources of negativity in your life? Be honest with yourself and write them all down — friends, websites you visit, bars, negative thought patterns, etc.
  1. Of those, what are the top three things from that list that really bring you down?
  1. For each of those three things, decide how you’re going to flip it from negative to positive.
For example, let’s say I hate cleaning my house. It takes a long time, it’s tiring, and it's boring. Here’s how I’d flip it from negative to positive: I can clean while I listen to an amazing podcast. It gives me time to think about bigger questions, and I get a clean house afterward!


Here's my (Maggie's) attempt:
I hate using social media, but I currently have to use it for the business. 
Here's how I'll flip it from negative to positive: I can go on social media and focus on (a) posting something helpful for others (b) commenting on at least ONE person's post to encourage them and give their platform traction, and (c) gleaning something insightful to share with others.


Now, you try it!


And, if you missed my post about one powerful remedy to forms of negativity, you'll want to check it out this Thanksgiving week...I promise it's worth your time. It can even be life transforming...it was for me, anyway!


As you enjoy the season with family and friends, we are thankful for you including your readership and support.


Happy Thanksgiving!!!


Maggie and Tiberio


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