Have you noticed how easy it is for your mind to latch onto what’s wrong?
That’s not a personal flaw. It’s biology. Our brains are wired to scan for threats and problems first, a handy survival skill for our ancestors but not so helpful for modern times.
The trouble is negative emotions tend to feel louder and last longer than the positive ones.
The good news is that we can retrain our attention. When we deliberately notice and savor positive emotions, even small ones, our minds begin to open up. We start seeing more possibilities, feel more resilient, and problem solve with creativity.
That idea is at the heart of my new video series, Positivity Breaks. Each short video explores one of the 10 positive emotions that psychologist Barbara Fredrickson identified: joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe, and love.
We’re beginning with joy. Joy is often described as a feeling of happiness or elation. It can burst forth in laughter or show up quietly as a moment of contentment.
In this first Positivity Break, I walk you through a simple Joy Scan, a quick practice to notice three small things around you that spark delight.
Watch the first video here: Positivity Break- Joy
This Week’s Challenge
I’d love to hear your three sparks of joy!
What brought you joy today?
Share them in the comments and join the conversation! Let’s spread a little positivity together!
Need Support?
If you’d like personalized strategies to increase positive emotions, email me at dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.
Dianna Collier 
This is a really practical reminder that building a more positive mindset isn’t about ignoring what’s difficult, but about intentionally training attention in a new direction over time.
I appreciate the emphasis on small, consistent practices. In my experience working with high achievers, it’s often these simple daily shifts—pausing to notice what’s working, naming progress, or reflecting on moments of gratitude—that gradually change the tone of self-talk and broaden perspective.
The idea that the brain can be trained through repetition feels both encouraging and realistic. It’s not about doing it perfectly, but about returning to it often enough that it starts to become a more natural way of seeing your day.
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Thank you for your insights regarding high achievers! The “simple daily shifts” are so much more powerful than they initially seem. I’m thinking about a high achiever client I worked with that realized she was regularly skimming over positive moments & mini-successes on her quest to reach the next goal. Just slowing down to appreciate changed her perspective & she was able to have a good natured laugh at herself.
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