What you can do to live a more meaningful and rewarding life
Did you know about 20 per cent of people are at the top end of the mental health spectrum? Here, joy and resilience abound. At the other end: those for whom life feels hollow or empty.
So, what makes the difference?
Research suggests a key component may be the ratio of an individual’s positivity to negativity, as reflected in their speech, attitudes and interaction with others.
A ratio of five to one seems to be the dividing line between flourishing and languishing. Those who maintain a positivity to negativity ratio above five to one are not only more likely to function well in life, finding it meaningful and rewarding, but they recover better from setbacks, too.
Interestingly, this ratio seems to also apply to couples and even groups. Marriages falling below the ratio are more inclined to dissolve, but those above are more likely to grow. The positivity ratio also applies to businesses, with those falling below it failing to thrive.
What can you do?
Increase your positivity ratio and the ratio of those close to you. Around three positive acts or words are required to undo the damage of one.
Reference
Fredrickson & Losada. (2005). Positive affect and the complex dynamics of human flourishing. American Psychologist. 60(7):678-686.
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