Happiness - A Matter of Focus

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!

---

Many Blessings

"Reflect on your present blessings of which every man has... Read More

Ten Ways to Eliminate Guilt From Your Life

1. Say "Yes" Only When You Want ToYou want to... Read More

Follow Your Bliss

Gail was a quiet, shy, young lady. She has been... Read More

How To Make Your Own Happiness

Happiness comes to a person when it is caused by... Read More

Can Money Buy You Happiness?

Well, doesn't that depend on what's causing you to be... Read More

Relationships and the Law of Attraction

This question and answer article was done by Gizelle River,... Read More

Happiness and Keeping Ahead of the Joneses

Imagine that the Internal Revenue Service in your country claimed... Read More

Are You Doing What You Love Each And Every Day?

It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day... Read More

Gratefulness

Gratefulness brings a great fullness to life. The choice to... Read More

Making Peace With Sloth: The Value of Natural Pace

Though his racing speed is a maximum 6 feet per... Read More

Happy Buttons

What makes you happy? What are the simple pleasures that... Read More

10 Easy Ways You Can Feel Happier, Be Healthier and Live Longer Starting NOW!

Let's just say? first thing when you popped out of... Read More

What is the Ultimate Lifestyle?

Since the mission of this newsletter is to help you... Read More

Top 10 Secrets for Being HAPPY!

One of my favorite songs is Bobby McFerrin's refrain, "Don't... Read More

Being Together

When it comes to happiness, togetherness is probably the most... Read More

Divining your Number of Destiny

Your Destiny Number, which describes all of the talents and... Read More

Health and Medical Advice on the Internet: Use it Wisely to Overcome Illness and Find More Happiness

I've got a bit of a problem with depression and... Read More

Have Fun, Make Friends, Be Happy

I always marvel at the way people shine when they... Read More

Where do we Find True and Lasting Happiness?

For the longest time I was convinced that I was... Read More

Happiness - Not Something To Pursue

Perhaps the most sought after thing in the world is... Read More

Keeping You Confident!

We can all be confident when we are sure of... Read More

Discover the 10 Golden Rules on How To Conquer Your Fear

We all want happiness and peace of mind. In the... Read More

Choose To Be Happy - NOW!

The older I get, the more I realize that ninety... Read More

5 Fabulous B?s for the Happiest You!

Sure it sounds easy? "Be happy." Let's face it there... Read More

Life Purpose: How To Be in Love with Life

Falling In Love with LifeThere is no feeling in the... Read More

Quick Steps On Being Happier

Want to be happier?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author and... Read More

Ode to Chocolate

Chocolate delays reality. When I am eating chocolate, everything is... Read More

Develop a Guiding Philosophy for Happiness

Groundedness is one of the most important components of a... Read More

Today It Is ... Tomorrow It Will Be ...

What is your life like today? What do you want... Read More

Hanging Out

Right off the top: What is the difference between dating... Read More

5 Keys to Understanding Why Your Life (probably) Sucks # 4

We are in constant competitionIf we take evolution seriously, then... Read More

The Golden Moments in Life

This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More

The Happiness of Others

Is there any necessary connection between our actions and the... Read More