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The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity
It’s the reason why spending time on Facebook makes us feel sad and lonely. Why expensive name-brand medicines provide better pain relief than the generic stuff, even if they share the same ingredients. And why a hospital room with a good view speeds up recovery from surgery.
The truth is, the way we think about ourselves and the world around us dramatically impacts our happiness, health, how fast or slow we age, and even how long we live. In fact, people with a positive mindset about aging live on average 7.5 years longer than those without.
That might sound alarming to those of us who struggle to see the bright side, but the good news is we can make surprisingly simple changes or small shifts to how we think, feel, and act that will really pay off.
In The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, Dr. Catherine Sanderson breaks down the science of thought and shows how our mindset—or thought pattern—exerts a substantial influence on our psychological and physical health. Most important, this book demonstrates how, no matter what our natural tendency, with practice we can make minor tweaks in our mindset that will improve the quality—and longevity—of our life.
Combining cutting-edge research from the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, as well as vivid real-world examples of the power of mindset, The Positive Shift gives readers practical and easy strategies for changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors so they can live longer, happier lives.
These behaviors include:
- Appreciating nature, with actions as simple as eating lunch outside
- Giving to others, like volunteering
- Spending money on experiences, not possessions
Living your best life is truly mind over matter. Believe in yourself and rethink your way to a happier reality.
The truth is, the way we think about ourselves and the world around us dramatically impacts our happiness, health, how fast or slow we age, and even how long we live. In fact, people with a positive mindset about aging live on average 7.5 years longer than those without.
That might sound alarming to those of us who struggle to see the bright side, but the good news is we can make surprisingly simple changes or small shifts to how we think, feel, and act that will really pay off.
In The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, Dr. Catherine Sanderson breaks down the science of thought and shows how our mindset—or thought pattern—exerts a substantial influence on our psychological and physical health. Most important, this book demonstrates how, no matter what our natural tendency, with practice we can make minor tweaks in our mindset that will improve the quality—and longevity—of our life.
Combining cutting-edge research from the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, as well as vivid real-world examples of the power of mindset, The Positive Shift gives readers practical and easy strategies for changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors so they can live longer, happier lives.
These behaviors include:
- Appreciating nature, with actions as simple as eating lunch outside
- Giving to others, like volunteering
- Spending money on experiences, not possessions
Living your best life is truly mind over matter. Believe in yourself and rethink your way to a happier reality.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
203 people are currently reading
2741 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 4, 2020
It goes straight to the point with little filler. Much of the info here will be familiar to those who have read anything from the Positive Psychology movement. In fact, I'd say this book is an excellent summary of those books from that field.
January 22, 2019
Are you a glass half-full or a glass half-empty kind of person? Us glass half-empty people, like the author of The Positive Shift, can change our mindset and become glass half-full people with the help of the strategies presented in this book.
Dr. Catherine Sanderson has written an important book with significant real-life implications — having a positive mindset can impact one’s health and longevity, not to mention one’s well-being. There can be no doubt that Dr. Sanderson has done an extensive review of the research and theories and presents this information in an easily digestible form. How well has Sanderson researched the content of this book? Approximately 68% of the book is text and 32% is footnotes (according to my kindle). Many of these notes are citations of psychological and medical journal articles. In addition, each chapter contains an average of 29 footnotes.
This book is easy to read and put into action. In fact, it is perfect for today’s short-attention spans because it presents the information in bite-sized chunks — each chapter contains small sections with headers describing the content to follow. Sanderson explains the research studies thoroughly, by presenting the study’s procedure and then the results and conclusions. Moreover, at the end of every chapter, Sanderson presents ”take-home points,” which succinctly provides three strategies to help you implement what was discussed in that chapter to ultimately assist you in becoming a glass half-full kind of person. Throughout the book there are short quizzes which keep the reader involved and informs them how they fit with the material being presented. Some of these quizzes evaluate your failure mindset, your stress mindset, inclination to self-criticize, and inclination to make comparisons to others.
When I first looked at The Positive Shift, I saw that it was divided into three sections — 1. Discovering Mindset, 2. Understanding Mindset, and 3. Changing Mindset. I must confess that I was a bit dismayed to see that I would have to read approximately 2/3 of the book before I would get to the practical advice (changing mindset). But I was mistaken. The first two sections are chock full of important strategies to change one’s thinking or mindset whereas the final section deals with changing behaviors.
Sanderson shows that what we think affects our health as well as how long we live. For example, we learn that beliefs about getting older impact how long people live and how they age. A positive viewpoint leads to a happier and healthier life and focusing on what’s good instead of what’s bad leads to a longer life. As such, shifting your thinking to be more positive can improve the quality of your life and can lead to a longer life.
The real beauty of this book, which I didn’t realize until the conclusion is that there are two different ways you can make this positive shift — through your thinking and/or through your behavior. Thus by presenting so many different strategies, The Positive Shift can and will help all people who are looking for a way to become happier, healthier and live longer.
Thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Dr. Catherine Sanderson has written an important book with significant real-life implications — having a positive mindset can impact one’s health and longevity, not to mention one’s well-being. There can be no doubt that Dr. Sanderson has done an extensive review of the research and theories and presents this information in an easily digestible form. How well has Sanderson researched the content of this book? Approximately 68% of the book is text and 32% is footnotes (according to my kindle). Many of these notes are citations of psychological and medical journal articles. In addition, each chapter contains an average of 29 footnotes.
This book is easy to read and put into action. In fact, it is perfect for today’s short-attention spans because it presents the information in bite-sized chunks — each chapter contains small sections with headers describing the content to follow. Sanderson explains the research studies thoroughly, by presenting the study’s procedure and then the results and conclusions. Moreover, at the end of every chapter, Sanderson presents ”take-home points,” which succinctly provides three strategies to help you implement what was discussed in that chapter to ultimately assist you in becoming a glass half-full kind of person. Throughout the book there are short quizzes which keep the reader involved and informs them how they fit with the material being presented. Some of these quizzes evaluate your failure mindset, your stress mindset, inclination to self-criticize, and inclination to make comparisons to others.
When I first looked at The Positive Shift, I saw that it was divided into three sections — 1. Discovering Mindset, 2. Understanding Mindset, and 3. Changing Mindset. I must confess that I was a bit dismayed to see that I would have to read approximately 2/3 of the book before I would get to the practical advice (changing mindset). But I was mistaken. The first two sections are chock full of important strategies to change one’s thinking or mindset whereas the final section deals with changing behaviors.
Sanderson shows that what we think affects our health as well as how long we live. For example, we learn that beliefs about getting older impact how long people live and how they age. A positive viewpoint leads to a happier and healthier life and focusing on what’s good instead of what’s bad leads to a longer life. As such, shifting your thinking to be more positive can improve the quality of your life and can lead to a longer life.
The real beauty of this book, which I didn’t realize until the conclusion is that there are two different ways you can make this positive shift — through your thinking and/or through your behavior. Thus by presenting so many different strategies, The Positive Shift can and will help all people who are looking for a way to become happier, healthier and live longer.
Thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2020
While I really loved the beginning of the book, I found the rest of it quite repetitive. Once you get the point, it keeps showing you more examples leading to the same results more or less...
Still eye-opening though!
Still eye-opening though!
January 11, 2019
The Positive Shift is an easy read full of wonderful reminders and enforcing anecdotes on the power of positivity. Unlike many books in this genre, much of the book’s discussion centers around positivity and aging. Yes, this has been done before, but not quite in the same manner. Many of us are aware that a positive mindset affects both base-levels of happiness and longevity. But did you know that it also affects our hormones? There are a lot of great reminders that context matters, as do perception and our ability to reframe stress and the labels that we use. A solid four stars.
August 29, 2022
I need to increase the ratings
May 5, 2019
Lots of great data presented for modifying ways in your life and your mind to genuinely become happier. I love that the author is not a chipper positive person by nature, which I can completely relate to!
Great takeaways:
-Our mind is an insanely powerful tool. For example, in terms of how we think about aging, if we view it through a negative lens or have certain less than favorable thoughts about aging it can lead to health problems and shorter life expectancy once we hit "old age"
-Being outside in nature can actually make you happier and less stressed. Even access to a window/artwork/pictures of nature can have a similar positive effect
-Try not to dwell on complaining
-Happier people actually live longer and have less negative health issues
-Social media is making us more miserable... no one actually has that perfect of a life...
-Electronic devices contribute towards our misery as well; provides less time to connect in person with others
-Comparing yourself to others robs you of happiness
-As the old adage says money really does not buy you happiness. Physical items mean jack squat... spend your money on experiences which also create great memories
-Challenge your mind with new experiences and learn new things all the time
Great takeaways:
-Our mind is an insanely powerful tool. For example, in terms of how we think about aging, if we view it through a negative lens or have certain less than favorable thoughts about aging it can lead to health problems and shorter life expectancy once we hit "old age"
-Being outside in nature can actually make you happier and less stressed. Even access to a window/artwork/pictures of nature can have a similar positive effect
-Try not to dwell on complaining
-Happier people actually live longer and have less negative health issues
-Social media is making us more miserable... no one actually has that perfect of a life...
-Electronic devices contribute towards our misery as well; provides less time to connect in person with others
-Comparing yourself to others robs you of happiness
-As the old adage says money really does not buy you happiness. Physical items mean jack squat... spend your money on experiences which also create great memories
-Challenge your mind with new experiences and learn new things all the time
February 11, 2019
I liked the fact that this book is backed up by research and is making reference to it. It's a rational approach to positivism and optimism and a nice reminder that we have the power to make ourselves happier and healthier, and it is more work than magic.
March 7, 2019
I am trying to be more upbeat and positive despite things I see as trying and painful. Being naturally positive is not something that is easy to come by. This book gives a few tips on how to overcome that feeling of negative thinking, but mostly is very researched based. The author gives a lot of examples of how/why some people are more positive and happy, while others such as myself, struggle with it.
Pretty good book that touches on the topic and made me feel less alone in feeling like I am the only person who isn't sunshine and rainbows all the time.
Pretty good book that touches on the topic and made me feel less alone in feeling like I am the only person who isn't sunshine and rainbows all the time.
April 30, 2020
I'm not a fan of media created with the primary purpose of self-help, in general, but I read this for a class. The first third seemed excessive--"stress is bad, here's why, here's proof, don't be stressed," for 80 pages or so--but the later 2/3 of the book became much more worthwhile, giving strategies of how to shift one's mindset. I consider myself positive to a near unwavering degree, so much of this read felt redundant or unnecessary, but for someone who finds themselves frequently hoping for what could be better, or waiting on the next best thing, I feel this book could be beneficial for that person. So, as far as its purpose is concerned, it seems to fulfill that purpose. As for the actual reading of it, I found the structure heavy-handed (Claim, evidence, evidence, evidence, evidence, evidence, evidence, "what's-the-take-away," new chapter and claim--wash, rinse, rinse, rinse, repeat).
Overall, I think reading poetry and philosophy will do more for you, though.
Overall, I think reading poetry and philosophy will do more for you, though.
September 19, 2019
Although there were many pages about ageing, which was not what I was looking for; the last chapter provided many easy solutions towards changing your mindset. The author illustrated by many examples and research her theory about happiness and longevity. They were a few takeaways I will remember and try to integrate in my day to day life.
March 3, 2019
Just a few reminders
Great collection of reminders of how to change one's mindsight in the pursuit of a happier, healthier, and longer life. So many of the reminders are things that are already known but often forgotten in this crazy thing called life such as to remember to smile or the benefits of nature. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge like this book to remember to stop and remember the little things and savor life.
I really appreciated all the references for further reading too. as crazy as it sounds that is one aspect that I miss now that I have my degrees. I lived for the days of burying myself in databases and journal articles.
Great collection of reminders of how to change one's mindsight in the pursuit of a happier, healthier, and longer life. So many of the reminders are things that are already known but often forgotten in this crazy thing called life such as to remember to smile or the benefits of nature. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge like this book to remember to stop and remember the little things and savor life.
I really appreciated all the references for further reading too. as crazy as it sounds that is one aspect that I miss now that I have my degrees. I lived for the days of burying myself in databases and journal articles.
August 8, 2021
A few good reminders and some interesting science, but nothing particularly mind blowing in here.
April 7, 2020
Just finished reading this for a grad class. Great ideas of how to be positive, change your mindset & also contained many stories of people overcoming adversity.
October 29, 2025
Read this for my psych class and it was both intriguing and hope-inducing! There are so many little things that affect the way we experience happiness and longevity that one doesn't even realize them if they aren't pointed out. I am not privy to a generally happy disposition, and I know I'm not the only one. This book is a basic outline of 'Positive Psychology' which is still a relatively new area of psychology. It definitely left me feeling optimistic and a little less horrified of the aging process, the real battle is not losing that feeling now that I'm done reading.
April 5, 2021
Extremely helpful plain-language advice to adopt a more positive mindset if you are a pessimist by nature. Even if--pessimistically--you think you can't change your gloomy outlook, Sanderson offers simple steps that teach you how to help yourself be more cheerful, with immediate benefits to your daily happiness . . . and, according to the science, to your health and longevity.
December 5, 2021
Easy read. Good insight about how a positive mindset matters. Some practical tips on how to increase happiness, health and longevity. Beginner level. For those of us who are not sociology or psychology majors.
Our mindset – thoughts, beliefs and expectations – has a big impact on our health and happiness. Do you have fixed mindset, which says our basic qualities, such as intelligence and personality, are fixed? Or a growth mindset, which says that our basic qualities can and do change over time?
The author challenges some common myths about aging. Older adults experience some decline in reasoning and problem solving, but more than make up for it with increased skills, experience and knowledge. Happiness measured across many cultures follows a U-shaped pattern. After declining from 20 to 50, happiness generally increases after 50. Not surprisingly, older adults know better what really matters, and focus their time and energy on relationships they really value.
Some other thoughts and practical tips. Perhaps common sense, but easier said than done:
Smiling may lead directly to physiological changes to body that improve health. Smiling changes how people react to you (always for better), which will make you feel good. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Happiness is contagious. Make a deliberate attempt to spend more time with people who make you feel good and less time with those who don’t.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” We often use faulty logic in making comparisons: we never know the true story about other people’s lives. “Try not to compare your insides to other people’s outsides.”
Technology increases our ability to engage in destructive social comparisons. Also takes time away from other things that bring us happiness – reading a book, spending time with friends, getting enough sleep.
Difficult circumstances force us to think about ourselves and the world in new ways. “Most people emerge from a trauma wiser, with a deeper appreciation of life.” Adversity builds compassion for others. Adversity builds resilience. We get better at recovering from difficult events with practice.
Spending time in nature provides a cognitive break from all external distractions we face in our daily lives. Nature allows the brain to relax and restore our cognitive capacities.
After our basic needs are met, what matters in terms of happiness is how we chose to spend our time. More money doesn’t bring lasting happiness - we adapt to our newfound wealth. People who spend money on life experiences – doing things – show greater enduring happiness those who spending money buying material possessions – having things. “Experiences live on in our memories and in stories we tell, while our material goods disappear.”
Spending money on other people – gifts for people we know, or donations to charitable organizations – brings more happiness than personal spending. Giving is good but giving in ways that involve interacting with others is especially good. Giving feels best when we can understand and appreciate the value of our giving in the real world.
Quality of our relationships is the single biggest predictor of happiness. Happy people spend more time having meaningful and substantive conversations – types of interactions that help build stronger relationships. Interacting with close people, those who approve of us and know who we really are, feels especially good. Having good relationships looks easy and effortless from a distance. Reality of those relationships involves time, effort, conflict and compromise.
Our mindset – thoughts, beliefs and expectations – has a big impact on our health and happiness. Do you have fixed mindset, which says our basic qualities, such as intelligence and personality, are fixed? Or a growth mindset, which says that our basic qualities can and do change over time?
The author challenges some common myths about aging. Older adults experience some decline in reasoning and problem solving, but more than make up for it with increased skills, experience and knowledge. Happiness measured across many cultures follows a U-shaped pattern. After declining from 20 to 50, happiness generally increases after 50. Not surprisingly, older adults know better what really matters, and focus their time and energy on relationships they really value.
Some other thoughts and practical tips. Perhaps common sense, but easier said than done:
Smiling may lead directly to physiological changes to body that improve health. Smiling changes how people react to you (always for better), which will make you feel good. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Happiness is contagious. Make a deliberate attempt to spend more time with people who make you feel good and less time with those who don’t.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” We often use faulty logic in making comparisons: we never know the true story about other people’s lives. “Try not to compare your insides to other people’s outsides.”
Technology increases our ability to engage in destructive social comparisons. Also takes time away from other things that bring us happiness – reading a book, spending time with friends, getting enough sleep.
Difficult circumstances force us to think about ourselves and the world in new ways. “Most people emerge from a trauma wiser, with a deeper appreciation of life.” Adversity builds compassion for others. Adversity builds resilience. We get better at recovering from difficult events with practice.
Spending time in nature provides a cognitive break from all external distractions we face in our daily lives. Nature allows the brain to relax and restore our cognitive capacities.
After our basic needs are met, what matters in terms of happiness is how we chose to spend our time. More money doesn’t bring lasting happiness - we adapt to our newfound wealth. People who spend money on life experiences – doing things – show greater enduring happiness those who spending money buying material possessions – having things. “Experiences live on in our memories and in stories we tell, while our material goods disappear.”
Spending money on other people – gifts for people we know, or donations to charitable organizations – brings more happiness than personal spending. Giving is good but giving in ways that involve interacting with others is especially good. Giving feels best when we can understand and appreciate the value of our giving in the real world.
Quality of our relationships is the single biggest predictor of happiness. Happy people spend more time having meaningful and substantive conversations – types of interactions that help build stronger relationships. Interacting with close people, those who approve of us and know who we really are, feels especially good. Having good relationships looks easy and effortless from a distance. Reality of those relationships involves time, effort, conflict and compromise.
October 22, 2019
So for our honeymoon, we took advantage of the fact that Scott had a conference to attend for work in Portland, Oregon. We explored the city and hiked a lot in between his sessions and my scheduled meetings with glass artists and manufacturers. On the opening day of his conference, Catherine Sanderson spoke on the science of happiness. I told Scott to take notes. He did. And I wanted to learn more.
Scott ended up getting a copy of this book as a gift from a co-worker and while he finished his Sherlock Holmes book, I snagged the first read of this.
There's a lot of research in this book. A nugget of study after study. So much science, in fact, that at the beginning of the book I was like, "Ok, cool. But tell me how to apply this to my life!" She did that more in the second half of the book.
The mind is powerful and this book got me thinking, especially about things I take for granted. Yeah, yeah, our mindset is important. But no wait. It really is. And there are small shifts you can make each day.
One of the more powerful examples was a study where they gave two groups the exact same drink only one was labeled as 150 calories and the other was labeled as a decadent dessert with over 400 calories. (The actual drink was exactly the same number of calories.) But the group who thought they were drinking the higher calorie drink actually had physically measurable differences -- their body released the hormone that said they were full (or something to that effect.) Just their BELIEF about what they ate impacted how their body processed the food.
Wait a minute --- What you believe about your food impacts the way your body processes food. That is a game-changer for me.
I loved the examples that helped me diver deeper in my own reflections about the practice of gratitude (we now say something we're grateful for each night at the dinner table!), about spending money, about spending time, about giving. Granted, this all backs up and confirms what I've thought for a long time, but it also helped me dive deeper and made me think how I can really implement some of these small shifts into my life daily.
Scott ended up getting a copy of this book as a gift from a co-worker and while he finished his Sherlock Holmes book, I snagged the first read of this.
There's a lot of research in this book. A nugget of study after study. So much science, in fact, that at the beginning of the book I was like, "Ok, cool. But tell me how to apply this to my life!" She did that more in the second half of the book.
The mind is powerful and this book got me thinking, especially about things I take for granted. Yeah, yeah, our mindset is important. But no wait. It really is. And there are small shifts you can make each day.
One of the more powerful examples was a study where they gave two groups the exact same drink only one was labeled as 150 calories and the other was labeled as a decadent dessert with over 400 calories. (The actual drink was exactly the same number of calories.) But the group who thought they were drinking the higher calorie drink actually had physically measurable differences -- their body released the hormone that said they were full (or something to that effect.) Just their BELIEF about what they ate impacted how their body processed the food.
Wait a minute --- What you believe about your food impacts the way your body processes food. That is a game-changer for me.
I loved the examples that helped me diver deeper in my own reflections about the practice of gratitude (we now say something we're grateful for each night at the dinner table!), about spending money, about spending time, about giving. Granted, this all backs up and confirms what I've thought for a long time, but it also helped me dive deeper and made me think how I can really implement some of these small shifts into my life daily.
May 7, 2025
The Positive Shift by Dr. Catherine A. Sanderson is an insightful and empowering guide to mastering the power of mindset in order to improve happiness, health, and longevity. Sanderson presents the compelling idea that our thoughts and attitudes have a profound impact on not just our emotional well-being but also our physical health and even how long we live. In fact, she highlights research showing that those with a positive mindset about aging tend to live 7.5 years longer than those who have a more negative outlook.
The book is both scientifically rigorous and highly accessible, making it easy for readers to understand how small, consistent shifts in thinking can create lasting changes in their lives. Sanderson combines psychology, neuroscience, and medicine to demonstrate the remarkable impact that mindset can have on our daily lives. More importantly, she offers practical, actionable strategies to help readers reshape their thinking, including embracing nature, giving to others, and prioritizing experiences over possessions.
What makes The Positive Shift particularly valuable is the author's ability to break down complex research into digestible pieces while also offering real-world examples of how these shifts can enhance well-being. The tone is motivating and encouraging, and Sanderson emphasizes that these changes don’t require monumental effort—small changes can lead to big results over time.
Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the connection between mindset and well-being, and they’ll be armed with tools to make positive shifts in their own lives. Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, live a longer life, or simply cultivate more happiness, this book provides a clear roadmap to making mindset work for you.
Overall, The Positive Shift is a thought-provoking and practical guide that demonstrates the incredible potential we all have to improve our lives simply by changing the way we think. If you’re looking for a roadmap to a happier, healthier, and longer life, this book is a must-read.
The book is both scientifically rigorous and highly accessible, making it easy for readers to understand how small, consistent shifts in thinking can create lasting changes in their lives. Sanderson combines psychology, neuroscience, and medicine to demonstrate the remarkable impact that mindset can have on our daily lives. More importantly, she offers practical, actionable strategies to help readers reshape their thinking, including embracing nature, giving to others, and prioritizing experiences over possessions.
What makes The Positive Shift particularly valuable is the author's ability to break down complex research into digestible pieces while also offering real-world examples of how these shifts can enhance well-being. The tone is motivating and encouraging, and Sanderson emphasizes that these changes don’t require monumental effort—small changes can lead to big results over time.
Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the connection between mindset and well-being, and they’ll be armed with tools to make positive shifts in their own lives. Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, live a longer life, or simply cultivate more happiness, this book provides a clear roadmap to making mindset work for you.
Overall, The Positive Shift is a thought-provoking and practical guide that demonstrates the incredible potential we all have to improve our lives simply by changing the way we think. If you’re looking for a roadmap to a happier, healthier, and longer life, this book is a must-read.
August 6, 2024
كتاب علمي لانه عبارة عن تلخيص لمئات الأبحاث والتجارب العلمية.
الكاتبة في أول جزئين بتعرض حجات كتير بتخلي حياتنا سلبية وشاقة، ومعظم الحجات دي عبارة عن أفكار غلط وتعميمات مش صح. في آخر جزء بتشرح طرق عملية تخلينا نكون ايجابيين ونحسن من حياتنا.
في البداية بتشرح ان العقل بيحب الاختصار وبيشوف الحجات بشكل سطحي اما حلوة او وحشة بناءا على ظاهرها بس، وبالتالي المفروض نراقب افكارنا ونقيمها!
وبعدين بتتكلم عن التوقعات الكتير وتأثيرها السلبي علينا، وبالتالي لازم نتجنب الافكار المستقبلية ونفكر فيها بالعقل ومتكنش هي الدافع وراء تصرفاتنا لاننا مش هنقدر ابدا نتحكم في كل متغيرات حياتنا.
بعدين بتلتمس العذر للناس السلبيين وتقول ان دي الطريقة التلقائية اللي بيشوفو بيها الدنيا، وسواء كانت جينات او اسلوب تربية، فممكن يغيرو نفسهم بالتدريب لان النمط ده بيخليهم يخسرو حجات كتير في حياتهم.
بعدها اتكلمت عن اكتر حاجة بتبوظ حياتنا وهي المقارنة واللي وصفتها بسارقة البهجة، واكتر حاجة بتخلينا نقارن نفسنا بدون وعي حاليا هي الفيس بوك؛ والكاتبة بتقول ان المقارنة شيء طبيعي ومش هنعرف نوقفه تماما، لكن ممكن نقلله ونتعود ازاي نلاحظه ومننهمكش في حياة الناس التانية وانجازاتهم الشخصية ونركز في حياتنا ونفرح بانجازاتنا حتى لو كانت بسيطة.
وفي الآخر كل التجارب بتقول إن كل ما يحتاجه الإنسان لتغيير حياته للأفضل هي العلاقات العميقة مع بعض الناس، والنظرة الاخوية لكل الناس، والنية في التعاون معاهم والتخلص من الحدة في الطبع والعدائية!
يعني تكون ألطف مع الناس وتكون مستعد لمساعدة اي حد، ومتكنش زي الزومبي الأحمق اللي مش همه غير مصلحته!
ودي بعض الحجات اللي ممكن تقلل التوتر العام وتحسن شوية من حياتنا:
النوم بانتظام ٧ ساعات او اكتر يوميا
الرياضة بحد ادنى المشي يوميا وخصوصا في الأماكن الطبيعية
القراءة يوميا لحاجات انت بتحبها مش كتب يُنصح بيها
الانتظام على التواجد في المجتمعات الدينية
التأمل وتصفية الذهن من الأفكار التلقائية
العلاقات الاجتماعية الهادية والمشجعة
الكاتبة في أول جزئين بتعرض حجات كتير بتخلي حياتنا سلبية وشاقة، ومعظم الحجات دي عبارة عن أفكار غلط وتعميمات مش صح. في آخر جزء بتشرح طرق عملية تخلينا نكون ايجابيين ونحسن من حياتنا.
في البداية بتشرح ان العقل بيحب الاختصار وبيشوف الحجات بشكل سطحي اما حلوة او وحشة بناءا على ظاهرها بس، وبالتالي المفروض نراقب افكارنا ونقيمها!
وبعدين بتتكلم عن التوقعات الكتير وتأثيرها السلبي علينا، وبالتالي لازم نتجنب الافكار المستقبلية ونفكر فيها بالعقل ومتكنش هي الدافع وراء تصرفاتنا لاننا مش هنقدر ابدا نتحكم في كل متغيرات حياتنا.
بعدين بتلتمس العذر للناس السلبيين وتقول ان دي الطريقة التلقائية اللي بيشوفو بيها الدنيا، وسواء كانت جينات او اسلوب تربية، فممكن يغيرو نفسهم بالتدريب لان النمط ده بيخليهم يخسرو حجات كتير في حياتهم.
بعدها اتكلمت عن اكتر حاجة بتبوظ حياتنا وهي المقارنة واللي وصفتها بسارقة البهجة، واكتر حاجة بتخلينا نقارن نفسنا بدون وعي حاليا هي الفيس بوك؛ والكاتبة بتقول ان المقارنة شيء طبيعي ومش هنعرف نوقفه تماما، لكن ممكن نقلله ونتعود ازاي نلاحظه ومننهمكش في حياة الناس التانية وانجازاتهم الشخصية ونركز في حياتنا ونفرح بانجازاتنا حتى لو كانت بسيطة.
وفي الآخر كل التجارب بتقول إن كل ما يحتاجه الإنسان لتغيير حياته للأفضل هي العلاقات العميقة مع بعض الناس، والنظرة الاخوية لكل الناس، والنية في التعاون معاهم والتخلص من الحدة في الطبع والعدائية!
يعني تكون ألطف مع الناس وتكون مستعد لمساعدة اي حد، ومتكنش زي الزومبي الأحمق اللي مش همه غير مصلحته!
ودي بعض الحجات اللي ممكن تقلل التوتر العام وتحسن شوية من حياتنا:
النوم بانتظام ٧ ساعات او اكتر يوميا
الرياضة بحد ادنى المشي يوميا وخصوصا في الأماكن الطبيعية
القراءة يوميا لحاجات انت بتحبها مش كتب يُنصح بيها
الانتظام على التواجد في المجتمعات الدينية
التأمل وتصفية الذهن من الأفكار التلقائية
العلاقات الاجتماعية الهادية والمشجعة
May 17, 2023
مساء الخير
انتهيتُ للتو قراءة كتاب كانت قد قادتني إليه صُدفة التنقل في موقع جديد وجذبني عنوانه.
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فور أن انتهيت منه تذكرت مقولتي المُفضلة من سلسلة أفلام "هاري بوتر" على لسان دمبلدور:
"It's not our abilities that show who we truly are; It's our choices"
ليست قدراتنا هي من تحدد من نكون لكن اختيارتنا من تفعل.
أضعها لأكثر من سنتين في سيرتي الذاتية على فيسبوك، إيمانًا بأن أفكارنا هي مرآة لما نحن عليه؛ إن اخترت أن تكون قوي فستكون، إن اخترت أن تكون ناحجًا فلك ذلك، وإن اخترت أن تكون إيجابيًا فلا شيء سيحول بينك وبين سعادتك.
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وذلك لُب الكتاب، أفكارك تصنع واقعك.
فيناقش كيف لطريقة التفكير أن تؤثر على حياتنا، على حالتنا النفسية والجسدية، بل وتؤثر بشكل ملحوظ على متوسط أعمارنا ومدى استجابتنا للأمراض المميتة استنادًا على أدلة علمية مُوثقة، وكذلك يناقش كيفية تغيير طريقة التفكير والتحكم بها للحصول على أكبر قدر من السعادة.
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دائمًا ما يصفني المُحيطين بي بأنني أبعت الطمأنينة والإيجابية، يحبون ابتسامتي، يثنون على طريقة نظري للأشياء، الآن أدرك لماذا أجمعوا على ذلك... لأنني كنت دومًا - من دون ادراك - اختار أن أكون إيجابية، يقينا بأن الأشياء الجميلة تحدث دومًا، ولأنني لم أكن أرى السعادة فقط وإنما كنت أبحث عنها، وكثيرًا أخلقها.
١٧ مايو ٢٠٢٣
انتهيتُ للتو قراءة كتاب كانت قد قادتني إليه صُدفة التنقل في موقع جديد وجذبني عنوانه.
.
فور أن انتهيت منه تذكرت مقولتي المُفضلة من سلسلة أفلام "هاري بوتر" على لسان دمبلدور:
"It's not our abilities that show who we truly are; It's our choices"
ليست قدراتنا هي من تحدد من نكون لكن اختيارتنا من تفعل.
أضعها لأكثر من سنتين في سيرتي الذاتية على فيسبوك، إيمانًا بأن أفكارنا هي مرآة لما نحن عليه؛ إن اخترت أن تكون قوي فستكون، إن اخترت أن تكون ناحجًا فلك ذلك، وإن اخترت أن تكون إيجابيًا فلا شيء سيحول بينك وبين سعادتك.
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وذلك لُب الكتاب، أفكارك تصنع واقعك.
فيناقش كيف لطريقة التفكير أن تؤثر على حياتنا، على حالتنا النفسية والجسدية، بل وتؤثر بشكل ملحوظ على متوسط أعمارنا ومدى استجابتنا للأمراض المميتة استنادًا على أدلة علمية مُوثقة، وكذلك يناقش كيفية تغيير طريقة التفكير والتحكم بها للحصول على أكبر قدر من السعادة.
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دائمًا ما يصفني المُحيطين بي بأنني أبعت الطمأنينة والإيجابية، يحبون ابتسامتي، يثنون على طريقة نظري للأشياء، الآن أدرك لماذا أجمعوا على ذلك... لأنني كنت دومًا - من دون ادراك - اختار أن أكون إيجابية، يقينا بأن الأشياء الجميلة تحدث دومًا، ولأنني لم أكن أرى السعادة فقط وإنما كنت أبحث عنها، وكثيرًا أخلقها.
١٧ مايو ٢٠٢٣
March 7, 2024
*3.5/5
Personal notes:
Positive psychology mindset: Mental shortcuts, negative stereotypes, fixed and growth mindset, beliefs, understanding failure mindset, developing a positive mindset.
Stress and placebos: Negative or positive primes and their effects on one's memory, but not on younger ones.
Culture and surrounding effects on memory.
Mindset affects health, finding meaning and purpose, spending time with loved ones, and having a positive mindset about aging can lead to overall well-being.
Be optimistic about the situation, filter out negativity.
Spend time with those who make you feel good and less time with those who are negative.
"Competition is the thief of joy."
Post-traumatic growth: Trauma matters the older you get, and facing negativity can make you happier since one inherently tries to filter negativity.
Sleep well, read a book, exercise, be sexually active, engage in spiritual activities or believe in an ideology, practice meditation, take a technology break daily.
Spend time outside in nature.
Spend money to add to your experiences and memories.
Give selflessly to the needy.
Be kind to others and build social connections.
Personal notes:
Positive psychology mindset: Mental shortcuts, negative stereotypes, fixed and growth mindset, beliefs, understanding failure mindset, developing a positive mindset.
Stress and placebos: Negative or positive primes and their effects on one's memory, but not on younger ones.
Culture and surrounding effects on memory.
Mindset affects health, finding meaning and purpose, spending time with loved ones, and having a positive mindset about aging can lead to overall well-being.
Be optimistic about the situation, filter out negativity.
Spend time with those who make you feel good and less time with those who are negative.
"Competition is the thief of joy."
Post-traumatic growth: Trauma matters the older you get, and facing negativity can make you happier since one inherently tries to filter negativity.
Sleep well, read a book, exercise, be sexually active, engage in spiritual activities or believe in an ideology, practice meditation, take a technology break daily.
Spend time outside in nature.
Spend money to add to your experiences and memories.
Give selflessly to the needy.
Be kind to others and build social connections.
January 15, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from BenBella Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Another popular topic that is in high demand at our library is self-help and happiness. Those fly off our shelves like crazy. The positive shift really took a powerful concept and presented it in a way that was unique and different. Catherine Sanderson talks a lot about optimism in seeing the goodness of every situation and the good in every environment including online on Facebook and Instagram. Your mind is a very powerful asset if you let it be and Catherine Sanderson displayed very insightful and helpful research that really painted the whole picture on focusing your mindset on the positive side.
We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Another popular topic that is in high demand at our library is self-help and happiness. Those fly off our shelves like crazy. The positive shift really took a powerful concept and presented it in a way that was unique and different. Catherine Sanderson talks a lot about optimism in seeing the goodness of every situation and the good in every environment including online on Facebook and Instagram. Your mind is a very powerful asset if you let it be and Catherine Sanderson displayed very insightful and helpful research that really painted the whole picture on focusing your mindset on the positive side.
We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
November 19, 2022
على عكس ما يوحي به العنوان؛ فالكتاب ليس من كتب تطوير الذات بمفهومه الشائع، بل هو عبارة عن مجموعة من الدراسات والبحوث النفسيّة التي تناقش مدى تأثير التفكير الإيجابيّ على حياة الفرد على جميع الأصعدة، وقد صيغت هذه البحوث بأسلوب واضح وسلس؛ إذ تسهل قراءته على الجميع.
كما ذكرت سابقاً هذا الكتاب استند على العديد من التجارب والدراسات التي أُجريت على مختلف الأعمار من مختلف الخلفيات الثقافيّة، بالإضافة إلى أنّ الكاتبة قد أسقطت نتائج البحوث التي استندت عليها في كتابها هذا على تجربتها الشخصية بصفتها زوجة وأماً، وبكونها شخصاً غير إيجابيّ بطبيعته تجاه مجريات هذه الحياة، متبعة كل ذلك بالاستراتيجيات العقلانية للإيجابية والتفاؤل، وتذكير لطيف لنا بأنّ لدينا القدرة على جعل حياتنا أكثر سعادة.
أعجبتني حقيقة أنّ هذا الكتاب مدعوم بالبحوث والدراسات التي أُضيفت مصادرها جميعاً في نهاية الكتاب؛ كي يستزيد من يرغب في ذلك بالقراءة عن الموضوع بشكل أكبر من مصدره.
كما ذكرت سابقاً هذا الكتاب استند على العديد من التجارب والدراسات التي أُجريت على مختلف الأعمار من مختلف الخلفيات الثقافيّة، بالإضافة إلى أنّ الكاتبة قد أسقطت نتائج البحوث التي استندت عليها في كتابها هذا على تجربتها الشخصية بصفتها زوجة وأماً، وبكونها شخصاً غير إيجابيّ بطبيعته تجاه مجريات هذه الحياة، متبعة كل ذلك بالاستراتيجيات العقلانية للإيجابية والتفاؤل، وتذكير لطيف لنا بأنّ لدينا القدرة على جعل حياتنا أكثر سعادة.
أعجبتني حقيقة أنّ هذا الكتاب مدعوم بالبحوث والدراسات التي أُضيفت مصادرها جميعاً في نهاية الكتاب؛ كي يستزيد من يرغب في ذلك بالقراءة عن الموضوع بشكل أكبر من مصدره.
May 31, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the free copy in return for an honest review.
For the past twelve years or so, I have considered myself a positive person for the most part. I haven't always been that way and after living in some big cities, I started losing some of my positive mindset. So I thought this would be a great book to help me get back to where I was. And it really was a good start. It reminded me about the power of positive thinking and the fake it till you make it mentality. There were a couple of parts that seemed a little too much like a textbook but I really enjoyed reading about all of the studies done on positivity and how much it can help the rest of your life. We can't always do much about what happens to us but we are totally in charge of how we react to it. So why not become a more positive person and reap the benefits that can happen from making that change?
For the past twelve years or so, I have considered myself a positive person for the most part. I haven't always been that way and after living in some big cities, I started losing some of my positive mindset. So I thought this would be a great book to help me get back to where I was. And it really was a good start. It reminded me about the power of positive thinking and the fake it till you make it mentality. There were a couple of parts that seemed a little too much like a textbook but I really enjoyed reading about all of the studies done on positivity and how much it can help the rest of your life. We can't always do much about what happens to us but we are totally in charge of how we react to it. So why not become a more positive person and reap the benefits that can happen from making that change?
June 25, 2025
Every once in a while it’s good to get a positive vibe from a self-help book. This book was a good jolt for me.
Sanderson writes with a breezy style which is engaging. At times I found her too friendly, chummy, too cuddly but that’s fine. This book is meant to be a series of suggestions and affirmations to make us feel good. Given the news that assaults us every day on the tv, news outlets, papers and general water cooler chit chat what the world needs now … and thank you Beatles… the world needs more love.
Soapy comment above. Yes it is, but the book offers practical examples and insights as well.
This book comes in small bits, offers documented and scientific research, and gives clear and concise summaries of each chapter.
Give it a try. You may well find your blood pressure decreasing and your spirit rising.
Sanderson writes with a breezy style which is engaging. At times I found her too friendly, chummy, too cuddly but that’s fine. This book is meant to be a series of suggestions and affirmations to make us feel good. Given the news that assaults us every day on the tv, news outlets, papers and general water cooler chit chat what the world needs now … and thank you Beatles… the world needs more love.
Soapy comment above. Yes it is, but the book offers practical examples and insights as well.
This book comes in small bits, offers documented and scientific research, and gives clear and concise summaries of each chapter.
Give it a try. You may well find your blood pressure decreasing and your spirit rising.
January 18, 2019
*I received a free eBook copy from Netgalley in return for my honest review*
This book summarizes and analyzes the results of scientific studies on various topics that are related to happiness and health. The author herself is not full of unicorns and rainbows, and clearly states so. Coming from a more pessimistic personality, she provides concrete advice and useful evidence for ways to work on shifting your perspective to be more positive. Recently having been through some negative times, I found this book to be very helpful. The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment of the book at times was that sometimes I thought there were too many summaries of scientific studies used to illustrate a point. But perhaps that is helpful for others.
This book summarizes and analyzes the results of scientific studies on various topics that are related to happiness and health. The author herself is not full of unicorns and rainbows, and clearly states so. Coming from a more pessimistic personality, she provides concrete advice and useful evidence for ways to work on shifting your perspective to be more positive. Recently having been through some negative times, I found this book to be very helpful. The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment of the book at times was that sometimes I thought there were too many summaries of scientific studies used to illustrate a point. But perhaps that is helpful for others.
November 11, 2022
A very good book on how to be happy and live long(er).
Initially, I was a bit annoyed by the book, because I've read the books that it refers to and felt like I didn't learn much.
And - no spoiler alert here - there is not much new on what to do to live longer. We all know that: do sports, have good relationships, get a dog. :D
But what I grew to love about this book was a great structure, and tons of research quoted. Even if there were nothing extraterrestrial to learn about life, I loved how the author convinced me to do all that! I appreciate authors work and her narrating* skills.
*audiobook
PS I was most shocked about the experiment that was run on the couples where they asked them to list 25 things they hate about the partner. 0:-)
Initially, I was a bit annoyed by the book, because I've read the books that it refers to and felt like I didn't learn much.
And - no spoiler alert here - there is not much new on what to do to live longer. We all know that: do sports, have good relationships, get a dog. :D
But what I grew to love about this book was a great structure, and tons of research quoted. Even if there were nothing extraterrestrial to learn about life, I loved how the author convinced me to do all that! I appreciate authors work and her narrating* skills.
*audiobook
PS I was most shocked about the experiment that was run on the couples where they asked them to list 25 things they hate about the partner. 0:-)
November 11, 2024
يدور الكتاب حول فكره واحده وهي انت مشارك في بناء سعادتك ، وعلى أساس هذه الفكرة يعطينا الكتاب استراتيجيات وممارسات لها دور في تعزيز سعادتنا و رفاهيتنا النفسية. وكل استراتيجية يتم ذكرها تم تدعيمها بدراسات وابحاث وقصص لأناس، وذلك جعل كل طرح مثري اكثر . الكاتبه توضح بأن السعاده هي حاله مزاجيه وشعوريه كغيرها من المشاعر والتي تتحفز وتتغذى على السلوكيات الايجابيه المبادره .
وسعي المرء على الوصول لهذه الحاله المزاجيه هي هدف يجب أن يضعه المرء أمامه. وما أحببت في ستراتيجيات السعاده المذكوره في الكتاب هي ان جميعها قابله للتطبيق بغض النظر عن مستوى و وضع حياتك الحالي، فهي استراتيجيات واقعيه ونحملها داخلنا كبشر لكن مع تغيرات الحياه نغفل عنها وننسى اهميتها. كتاب جميل انصح بقراءته.
وسعي المرء على الوصول لهذه الحاله المزاجيه هي هدف يجب أن يضعه المرء أمامه. وما أحببت في ستراتيجيات السعاده المذكوره في الكتاب هي ان جميعها قابله للتطبيق بغض النظر عن مستوى و وضع حياتك الحالي، فهي استراتيجيات واقعيه ونحملها داخلنا كبشر لكن مع تغيرات الحياه نغفل عنها وننسى اهميتها. كتاب جميل انصح بقراءته.
June 10, 2025
الكتاب يقدم عرضًا مبسطًا وشاملًا لمفاهيم التفكير الإيجابي والسعادة، معتمدًا على العديد من الدراسات العلمية. هذا يجعله مناسبًا جدًا للمبتدئين في هذا المجال، الذين يبحثون عن مدخل سهل ومباشر لفهم كيف يمكن للتفكير الإيجابي أن يؤثر على الصحة النفسية والجسدية.
لكن بالنسبة للقراء المتقدمين، فإن الكتاب قد لا يضيف جديدًا، حيث تتكرر فيه أفكار معروفة سابقًا. الأسلوب بسيط ومناسب للجميع، لكنه يفتقد إلى الإثارة والتشويق.
من ناحية أخرى، قدم الكتاب مفهوم الإيجابية بشكل متوازن ولم يبالغ في تصويرها على أنها علاج لكل شيء، بل اعترف بضرورة التوازن والواقعية.
باختصار، هو كتاب جيد كبداية في عالم التفكير الإيجابي، لكن يحتاج من يقرأه أن يكون واعيًا أن المحتوى مكرر وموجه للقراء الجدد أكثر من المتقدمين.
لكن بالنسبة للقراء المتقدمين، فإن الكتاب قد لا يضيف جديدًا، حيث تتكرر فيه أفكار معروفة سابقًا. الأسلوب بسيط ومناسب للجميع، لكنه يفتقد إلى الإثارة والتشويق.
من ناحية أخرى، قدم الكتاب مفهوم الإيجابية بشكل متوازن ولم يبالغ في تصويرها على أنها علاج لكل شيء، بل اعترف بضرورة التوازن والواقعية.
باختصار، هو كتاب جيد كبداية في عالم التفكير الإيجابي، لكن يحتاج من يقرأه أن يكون واعيًا أن المحتوى مكرر وموجه للقراء الجدد أكثر من المتقدمين.
January 9, 2020
I'm still going to mark down as read. But seriously skim read. I got bored. It's all research this and research that. This study showed this, this study showed that. Not my kind of book. And again I've wasted money.... Ahhhh but I should see things in a Postitive way.
I paid money for a book that made me realise I already know how to make a positive shift. In moving the energy of my money I realised I knew all along how to manage my own energy. Thanks book for this knowledge and maybe its time to stop reading the same subject and move on to higher pastures.
I paid money for a book that made me realise I already know how to make a positive shift. In moving the energy of my money I realised I knew all along how to manage my own energy. Thanks book for this knowledge and maybe its time to stop reading the same subject and move on to higher pastures.
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