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“A positive mind looks for ways it can be done; a negative mind looks for ways it can’t be done.” – Napoleon Hill
When the brain chooses to look for possibilities instead of wallowing in despair, it actually makes itself smarter, quicker, and more creative! But when it falls into a habit of complaining, or simply listening to negativity, it loses its cognitive function to effectively problem-solve. When a positive mind looks for ways, it certainly does find a way-happiness makes the brain smarter!
So when it comes to achieving success, make happiness a tool, according to psychologist Shawn Achor, author of “The Happiness Advantage” who argues that the brain works significantly better with positive thinking and is therefore important in overcoming obstacles. “We found that optimism is the greatest predictor of entrepreneurial success because it allows your brain to perceive more possibilities.”
Interestingly, it also applies in learning new things. Studies carried out by Stanford University psychology professor Carol Dweck and others found that when you believe you’re smart enough to learn new things, your cognitive performance increases and your brain becomes more adaptable. Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, your ability to learn depends on your ability to think positively. Isn’t it amazing that we can strengthen our brain just by changing our mindset!
This revelation has inspired innovative companies, like Google to invest on the happiness of their employees, knowing that the happier they are, the more their productivity and problem-solving skills increase. As Dale Carnegie put it, “People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they are doing.”
