Hi Friends,
What if the secret to a better day is already inside you?
It sounds almost too simple, right? But one of the most powerful tools we have for living a fuller, more engaged life isn’t a new app, a productivity hack, or a perfectly planned morning routine.
It’s interest— that bright, alive feeling when something captures your attention and makes you want to lean in a little closer.
So, what exactly is interest?
According to positive psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, interest is the feeling that sparks the urge to explore, learn, and absorb new experiences. Think of it as curiosity, fascination, and engagement all wrapped up into one beautiful emotion.
And just like all ten of the positive emotions identified by Fredrickson, interest has the power to broaden our thinking and build lasting wellbeing.
Why cultivating interest is worth your time
Research on curiosity and interest has shown some pretty compelling benefits:
Better memory and learning
When curiosity is activated, the brain’s dopamine reward system fires up, priming the hippocampus to absorb information more deeply. Curious brains simply learn better.
Lower anxiety
Approaching new or uncertain situations with interest rather than apprehension actually dials down the stress response. Interest reframes “What if something goes wrong?” into “I wonder what I’ll discover.”
More happiness and life satisfaction
Research found that on days when people felt more curious and interested, they reported higher life satisfaction and a greater sense of meaning in life.
Stronger relationships
Being genuinely curious about the people around us builds real intimacy and connection. Curious people are consistently rated as warmer and more enjoyable to be around.
Greater resilience
People who approach challenges with interest and a growth mindset tend to bounce back more easily. They become problem-solvers, not avoiders.
The bottom line? Interest is a resource, and the good news is that we can practice it.
Ready to tap into yours?
In this month’s Positivity Break, I’m guiding you through a short journaling exercise designed to help you reconnect with what genuinely interests you, in your learning, your relationships, your strengths, and your everyday life.
👉 [Click here to watch the video]
It’s short, it’s reflective, and it just might make your week more interesting.
This Week’s Challenge
I’d love to hear from you.
What are you most curious or interested in right now?
Leave me a comment and join the conversation!
Need Support?
If you’d like personalized support tapping into positive emotions while navigating a life transition, email me at dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.
Dianna Collier 