“If we regularly experience positive emotions, then we will ‚better versions of ourselves‘.”
Unpleasant emotions like fear or anger protect us. They warn us and, when in doubt, ensure our survival—that makes perfect sense. But what good are pleasant emotions, really? Isn’t it enough if we simply learn to cope better with the unpleasant ones? And doesn’t the constant pursuit of our own happiness ultimately make us even unhappier?
“On one side, I have golf balls—negative stimuli. On the other side, soap bubbles floating in very gently. But when a golf ball whizzes by, they pop.”
Dr. Daniela Blickhan is a licensed psychologist, founder of the Inntal Institute, and has been working as a coach, trainer, and author for over 35 years. As a founding member and first chair of the German-Speaking Umbrella Association for Positive Psychology (DACH-PP), she has had a decisive influence on this field of research in German-speaking countries. In a conversation with Georgiy Michailov, she explains why our brains perceive negative things faster than positive ones, how the 3-2-1 exercise can help us rediscover gratitude, and why the joy that comes from self-efficacy often has a greater impact on building new habits than strict discipline.
*Video only in German
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