Continued explorations into the paradox of choice, based on Positive Psychology in Practice (P Linley & S Joseph 2004).
Great Expectations
We established that the ability to adapt quickly to change is a two-sided coin: one that sometimes leaves us on our tails. Another double-edged tool in our box is The Mind.
The Mind is a great analytical machine. And, like adaptibility, this thinking machine works both for and against us. Instead of taking an experience at face value, where it can be readily appreciated for what it is, the mind likes to tinker around and break it down into disconnected fragments:
THE EXPERIENCE vs.
· what you hoped it would be
· what you expected it to be
· what you experienced in the past
· what others have experienced
Expectations stand in the way of direct experience; this applies to the direct experience of happiness.
When the rising quality of experience is met with rising expectations, you find yourself running in place (Satisfaction Treadmill). You adjust, expecting a certain level of pleasure—until it no longer registers as such.
Assessment of well-being is often done relative to expectations of some sort. Be aware of yours. If expectations are unreasonably high, then good decisions, good experiences, and even good lives will feel as though they fall short.
The Mind requires supervision, and patience. Each day is unique, and each experience once-in-a-lifetime. Keep your expectations positive and flexible. There is great happiness in taking what comes and allowing it to be, well... whole.
Happy Guy David Leonhardt explores his own expectations at http://www.thehappyguy.com/expectations-and-happiness.html
Great Expectations
We established that the ability to adapt quickly to change is a two-sided coin: one that sometimes leaves us on our tails. Another double-edged tool in our box is The Mind.
The Mind is a great analytical machine. And, like adaptibility, this thinking machine works both for and against us. Instead of taking an experience at face value, where it can be readily appreciated for what it is, the mind likes to tinker around and break it down into disconnected fragments:
THE EXPERIENCE vs.
· what you hoped it would be
· what you expected it to be
· what you experienced in the past
· what others have experienced
Expectations stand in the way of direct experience; this applies to the direct experience of happiness.
When the rising quality of experience is met with rising expectations, you find yourself running in place (Satisfaction Treadmill). You adjust, expecting a certain level of pleasure—until it no longer registers as such.
Assessment of well-being is often done relative to expectations of some sort. Be aware of yours. If expectations are unreasonably high, then good decisions, good experiences, and even good lives will feel as though they fall short.
The Mind requires supervision, and patience. Each day is unique, and each experience once-in-a-lifetime. Keep your expectations positive and flexible. There is great happiness in taking what comes and allowing it to be, well... whole.
Happy Guy David Leonhardt explores his own expectations at http://www.thehappyguy.com/expectations-and-happiness.html
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