08/27/2026
When many of my clients ask me how I am, I reply, “170,000 people didn’t wake up today and I did. What do I have to complain about?” By now, they know it’s coming so they laugh and/or roll their eyes.
But there’s actually a reason I say it. I’m intentionally redirecting my attention toward what is good instead of automatically focusing on what is wrong.
Our brain is not actually wired to notice the good, it takes intentional attention and practice.
Neuroscience Note:
The brain naturally pays more attention to threats, problems, and bad experiences because once upon a time, detecting danger helped humans survive. This is called the negativity bias.
When you find yourself replaying what went wrong instead of noticing what went right, your brain is essentially doing what it was designed to do, only most of today’s threats aren’t actual threats. While it tries its best, the brain can be a bit outdated in how it functions.
Some of my favorite rewiring habits:
Bookend your day with the good stuff- make the first thought of the day a positive and make the last thought before you go to bed with a reflection on something that you are grateful for
Gratitude journaling- keep a note on your phone of the good things that happen or physically write down the things you are grateful for.
Actively look for what is going right. Notice the good.
Create and seek more positive experiences. The brain loves repetition.
Savor the moment. When something good happens, notice it and try to stay with it for 30 seconds or so.
The takeaway: You don't rewire the brain by forcing yourself to “be positive.” You rewire it by repeatedly directing attention toward what is safe, meaningful, rewarding, connected, and going well.
