Issue No. 25
January 2011
What's Your Positivity Ratio?
Dear Friends of Balancing Act,
Age of Miracles Book Cover  
When people ask How's it going? what do you say?

Certified laughter leaders are trained to say Fantastic! - a notch above I'm good.  And most of us will at least fake a pretty good even on the worst day because, after all, does anyone really want to know? But now, thanks to something called the "positivity ratio," it is possible to answer precisely. If things are going well, that would be 3.0 or above. Read how to calculate yours in the article below.

Speaking of how's it going?, what about those New Year's Resolutions?  Are you looking up at the wagon you just fell off? Could be because those goals you set weren't in line with your strengths. Or maybe you need someone to check in with. Check out some resources below for getting back on track.

And finally, although - thankfully - the dog that ate my planner was a metaphorical one, I just love stories from readers about a real dog that ate theirs.  Check out the true story of Maggie in this month's issue!

                                            Pat   

 

Going for that 3.0+

Positivity Ratio 
Barbara L. Fredrickson, PhD, a researcher and psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has figured out a way to measure how positive your mood is - or isn't - and even come up with the most desirable ratio of positive to negative thinking that will lead to a more fulfilling life.

According to Dr. Fredrickson, a ratio of three positive emotions to every one negative emotion is the tipping point that sends us on our way toward flourishing, love, joy, interest and hope.

She suggests that we ask ourselves powerful questions, such as What's going right for me right now? to trigger our positivity regularly. It is the frequency of positive emotion, rather than the depth, she reports,  that gives us greater health, success, resilience, receptivity and creativity.

At the same time, she recognizes that "specific and correctable" negativity is appropriate and can ground us in reality. It's "gratuitous negativity," the kind we're inclined to wallow in, that is counter-productive.

To calculate your own positivity ratio, she offers a free online test and a place to track your positivity daily. 
 
How's That Resolution-Thing Going? 

goals New Year's resolutions already broken? It could be time to replace them with very specific goals that are based not on "fixing" yourself but on following your strengths.

Sweeping resolutions that are aimed at correcting our weaknesses are the least effective and quickest to fail.

For some specific strategics, including a free test for measuring your strengths, check out my online article, "Smart Goals." 

If you need some extra help staying accountable, check out a free new service called StickK, which will help you to make a contract with yourself to achieve your personal goals and even set up a buddy system to keep you honest.

Oh, Maggie!!!!!

Maggie
Maggie and Nancy
Don't be fooled by Maggie's innocent look.  Maggie is anything but.  Her owner, Nancy Metzger of Columbus, OH,  has a gentle hold on her,  to keep her back from this 2011 planner - and for good reason. She ate the 2010 one down to a shred.

The planner was just an appetizer.  Maggie, who reportedly once attended obedience school, spent 48 hours at the local MedVets after also downing a two-pound box of dark chocolates, a Claxton fruit cake, and a small English pudding. 

The loot was not easy to come by, each item being wrapped in Christmas paper, placed in a large box, wrapped in plastic and hidden under a large pillow.

Better luck in 2011!! 
Leash Law No. 25: Go With The Flow 
 

timepieces
 
There's a lot of truth to the premise that what happens to us is not as important as how we react to it. Whatever your horoscope reading du jour, life will be more balanced if you leave room for surprises, creativity and the possibility of changing your mind. When strong winds come, the branch that bends does not break.

 
 
Ths is one of 74 leash laws offered in "The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life."  

Copyright 2011 Pat Snyder
In This Issue
What's Your Positivity Ratio?
Going for that 3.0+
The Resolution Thing
Oh, Maggie!
Leash Law
Pat's In The Soup
Quick Links
PAT'S IN
THE SOUP!

chicken soup

Pat essay "Hand-Me-Down Funeral" is in the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul book, Grieving and Recovery. 

The piece tells the story of her dad's unconventional funeral procession -
a parade of friends, relatives and strangers who came to share their stories and fulfill his wish that his clothes not go to waste.
 

It's available Feb. 1 at bookstores and through online booksellers.

 
XXXXXXXX

 
NO TIME FOR YOUR ART?

paintbrushes

 
Is there a book in you!  A painting?  But you just can't find the time to create?

Beginning in February, Pat will offer affordable coaching services to help artists and writers start and stick with those  projects that always take a back seat to the rest of life.

Contact Pat for details on twice-monthly sessions to get your pen and brushes moving.
 

 
 
 

    
 
 STILL BOOKING

LIFE BALANCE 
 

PRESENTATIONS!!
 

 
Blue M&M
       
Pat's taking bookings now for  life balance speeches and workshops,  writing workshops, and laughter programs, all described on her website.


 

 
Join Our Mailing List