A Mindset Technique from My 10-Year-Old

The author, a father of a 10-year-old, shares a valuable lesson he learned from his son about a simple yet effective mindset technique: "Do It Happy." He observed that his son’s innocent outlook allowed him to approach life with a positivity that often escapes adults.

• The author’s son’s statement, "If we sleep happy, we don’t need to sleep as much," sparked a reflection on the importance of positive mental states.
• The author realized that this statement highlighted how children see the world without the filters and complexities that adults accumulate.

Interpretations of Reality

The author explains that we all experience the same reality but interpret it differently based on our individual filters. These filters, formed through life experiences and social conditioning, shape our perception of events.

• These filters can be beneficial in helping us anticipate outcomes and make informed decisions.
• However, they can also hinder our ability to see the world with fresh eyes and embrace new possibilities.
• The author shares examples of filters he has developed over time: distrust, insecurity, responsibility, and a filter of reality that often dampens dreams.

Building Our Personalities

The author discusses how our filters contribute to the formation of our personalities, and how refining these filters can lead to personal growth.

• He acknowledges that filters are not perfect and require constant refinement.
• The goal is to refine filters to block out negativity and allow positive influences to flow through.
• He suggests that personal fulfillment comes from fine-tuning our filters to achieve the best results while maintaining our core values.

The "Do It Happy" Technique

The author delves deeper into the "Do It Happy" technique, illustrating its effectiveness with his son's experience. He explains how his son used this approach to cope with cold water at the beach.

• The technique encourages focusing on positive emotions and benefits to overcome challenges.
• The author suggests that by embracing happiness, individuals can achieve results more efficiently.

The Power of Mindset

The author concludes by emphasizing the power of mindset and the importance of embracing positivity.

• He acknowledges that while reality is important, a positive outlook can enhance our experiences.
• He suggests that by adjusting our filters and incorporating the "Do It Happy" technique, we can achieve greater success and personal fulfillment.

Applying the Technique to Writing

The author shares a personal example of applying the "Do It Happy" technique to the challenging task of editing.

• He found that by focusing on the positive outcome of publishing, editing became more enjoyable.
• This highlights how mindset can transform even mundane or difficult tasks.

The Call to Action

The author encourages readers to embrace the "Do It Happy" technique and adjust their filters to foster a more positive and fulfilling life.

• He urges readers to try this technique and share their experiences.
• He emphasizes the potential for positive change through a shift in mindset.