The Power of Recognizing the Good: Shifting Your Focus for a Happier Life
On a recent trip to the Oregon coast, my destination when I feel the need to indulge in some “me time”, I sat with my morning coffee watching the ocean and its immense power. I set my intention to acknowledge only the good things in my life, of which there are many. Yet, despite my best efforts to remain focused on how grateful I am for everything good, those negative thoughts – the “yeah but’s” – did their best to intrude. Proof that in a world where we are constantly bombarded by negative news, setbacks, and stress, it’s easy to fall into a habit of focusing on the bad.
But what if we chose to shift our attention? Instead of dwelling on the challenges and failures, we instead recognize the good in life—the small wins, the acts of kindness, and the moments of gratitude. This change in focus has the potential to profoundly impact our mental and emotional well-being. There are many reasons why recognizing the good is not only beneficial but essential for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Focusing on the good, even in difficult times, can greatly improve your mental health. Studies have shown that individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. By acknowledging the positive aspects of your life, you shift your brain away from stress, frustration, and fear. This promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain, helping to lift your mood and improve overall mental well-being.
When you start recognizing the good in people around you, your relationships naturally improve. It becomes easier to appreciate others for their kindness, talents, or efforts instead of being caught up in their flaws or mistakes. This not only strengthens bonds but also fosters a more positive and supportive environment. Whether in personal relationships or at work, showing appreciation and gratitude towards others can lead to more meaningful connections and deeper levels of trust.
Life is full of ups and downs, but recognizing the good during difficult times can help build resilience. Instead of being overwhelmed by challenges, focusing on the positive aspects—like the lessons learned or the strength gained—can help you cope more effectively. This mindset doesn’t deny those hardships but allows you to find meaning and growth, making you better equipped to handle adversity in the future.
Focusing on the good doesn’t just make you feel better—it can also make you more productive. When you acknowledge your successes, however small, you create momentum that drives you forward, i.e., me sitting down to write this. Celebrating progress, instead of criticizing what still needs to be done, helps you stay motivated and energized. This positive reinforcement makes it easier to maintain long-term goals and projects, leading to greater productivity and a sense of accomplishment.
When you consciously focus on the good, you’re not just impacting yourself. Your positivity spreads to those around you, creating a ripple effect. Optimism and gratitude are contagious; when people see you appreciating the good things in life, they’re more likely to do the same. This collective shift in focus can foster a more uplifting and encouraging environment in families, communities, and workplaces.
Recognizing the good forces you to live in the present moment. Too often, we are consumed by past regrets or future worries, missing out on the beauty of the here and now. When you focus on the good in your life—whether it’s the warmth of the sun, a delicious meal, or a kind word—you are grounding yourself in the present. This practice of mindfulness can reduce stress and increase overall life satisfaction, helping you to enjoy life as it happens.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions for fostering contentment. When you make a habit of regularly acknowledging the good, you become more aware of the abundance in your life, even in small things. This gratitude can shift your perspective from a mindset of scarcity (“I don’t have enough”) to one of abundance and fulfillment (“I have more than enough”). This doesn’t mean settling for less, but rather, appreciating what you have while still striving for growth.
Our reality is shaped by the lens through which we see the world. When we focus on the bad, it often feels like everything is going wrong. Conversely, when we focus on the good, we start to notice more opportunities, more kindness, and more joy. This shift in perspective is empowering because it reminds us that while we can’t control every situation, we can control how we respond to it.
Recognizing the good doesn’t mean ignoring the bad or pretending life is perfect. Instead, it’s about choosing to focus on what’s uplifting, inspiring, and meaningful in your life. This simple shift in focus can help bring about positive changes in your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. By consciously making the effort to see the good, you set the foundation for a happier, more resilient, and more fulfilling life.
So, next time you find yourself dwelling on the negative, take a moment to pause and ask: *What’s going right?” You might be surprised at how much good there is to recognize.
Eva Schmidt is the Founder and CEO of 3 Springs Coaching, LLC. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Certified Executive Coach (CEC), a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), a teacher and a mentor.
She is the creator of Badass Up, which focuses on helping people thrive in their lives with an emphasis on empowering women to speak up, step up, and live authentically. Let her help you leverage your hard-earned wisdom and support you as you badass up into your next chapter.
