Kategorie: Positive Psychologie

The Power of Small Things: Reflections on Wilhelm Busch’s Quote

The quote for this article comes from Wilhelm Busch:

“Happiness often arises from paying attention to small things; unhappiness often results from neglecting small things.”

This quote is particularly supportive for me, especially during times when I feel emotionally low. It reminds me of Baron Münchhausen, who famously pulled himself out of a swamp by his own hair. In moments of despair, focusing on the small things that we often overlook can help lift us from the depths of negative emotional spirals.

Regardless of the misfortunes we face, if we concentrate on these small details and recognize their beauty and fascination, our worries suddenly seem much smaller, allowing us to find happiness even amidst unhappiness. This does not mean that negative feelings should be „magically“ erased or suppressed. On the contrary, every feeling has its place, and categorizing emotions as merely negative or positive can be misleading. Emotions signal something important and should always be taken seriously, as they help us identify issues and initiate changes both externally and internally. In fact, “negative” feelings can be powerful motivators for action.

I refer specifically to negative thought spirals that can drag a person down, much like quicksand, until they feel as though they are drowning in these emotions. By shifting our focus to the small things that we usually overlook, those overwhelming thoughts begin to quiet. We can catch our breath and devise an „exit strategy,“ allowing us to reconsider the situation from a different perspective. In doing so, we can regain our inner peace and, consequently, our happiness. This shift in mindset also alters our energy, positively affecting those around us. Suddenly, doors that were once closed begin to open.

For me, a walk in nature is the best way to discover these small wonders. I notice the first green leaves unfurling despite adverse weather, a butterfly gracefully crossing my path, or a daisy pushing its way through hard asphalt. I am also touched by the carefree laughter of a small child or a kind word from a person.

In conclusion, paying attention to these small moments can transform our perspective, helping us navigate through life’s challenges while rediscovering happiness in the process

Glaubenssätze erkennen und transformieren: Der Schlüssel zu persönlichem Wachstum

Wir alle tragen Glaubenssätze in uns, die aus unseren Erfahrungen, unserer Erziehung und den Vorbildern, an denen wir uns orientiert haben, entstanden sind. Diese Überzeugungen sind oft so tief im Unterbewusstsein verankert, dass wir nicht einmal wahrnehmen, wie sie unser Verhalten leiten. Es ist, als würde ein Düsenjet vorbeifliegen – wir hören ihn erst, wenn er schon längst weg ist. Wenn wir immer wieder auf eine bestimmte Person oder Situation reagieren, kann das ein Hinweis auf einen verborgenen Glaubenssatz sein, der unbewusst aktiviert wurde.

Im Großen und Ganzen unterscheiden wir zwischen sieben Glaubensmustern, von denen fünf als „Antreiber“ bekannt sind:

  1. Sei stark: Diese Personen zeigen stets Stärke und wirken selbstbestimmt. Im Business halten sie an ihren Vorhaben fest und lassen keine Emotionen zu.

  2. Beeil dich: Personen mit diesem Antreiber sind schnell und liefern ihre Arbeiten präzise und punktgenau ab.

  3. Sei perfekt: Hier wird jedes Detail genauestens verfolgt, und Perfektion ist das Ziel.

  4. Sei beliebt: Diese Personen suchen nach Anerkennung und Bestätigung von anderen.

  5. Streng dich an: Kreativität und Enthusiasmus zeichnen diese Menschen aus.

Weniger bekannt sind die zwei folgenden Glaubenssätze:

  1. Sei vorsichtig: Diese Menschen möchten alles kontrollieren und handeln strukturiert. Mikromanager haben oft gelernt, vorsichtig zu sein, um ihre Position zu sichern.

  2. Ich kann nicht: Diese Personen streben nach einem leichten und unbeschwerten Leben, fühlen sich jedoch schnell überfordert und geben weniger ihr Bestes.

Jeder dieser Glaubenssätze hat seine Stärken und Schwächen, insbesondere wenn er übertrieben aktiv ist. Eine effektive Methode, um diese Glaubensmuster „abzuschwächen“ – denn sie bleiben Teil von uns – ist die Anwendung der Positiven Psychologie. Sie hilft, die unbewussten „Schlingel“ ins Bewusstsein zu holen.

Fragen, die dabei unterstützen können, sind:

  • Wie bewerte ich die Situation?

  • Was ist an der Situation gerade gut?

Primär im vierten Kapitel meines Buches „Erfolgreich Gespräche im Berufsalltag führen – Der Einfluss von Haltung, Deutungsmustern und Unterbewusstsein auf Gesprächssituationen“ finden Sie nähere Tipps und Informationen zu diesem Thema.

Indem wir unsere Glaubenssätze erkennen und hinterfragen, können wir nicht nur unser Verhalten transformieren, sondern auch unser persönliches und berufliches Wachstum fördern. Lassen Sie uns gemeinsam an einem positiven Mindset arbeiten und die Kraft unserer Glaubenssätze nutzen!

The Importance of Self-Happiness: Reflections on Ludwig Feuerbach’s Quote

Today’s quote comes from Ludwig Feuerbach: “Your first duty is to make yourself happy.” Feuerbach was a critic of religion and a humanist, emphasizing that individuals should use all their senses to understand the world and connect with others. He believed that love—love for nature and for fellow human beings—emerges through these connections.

I wholeheartedly agree with Feuerbach. Only by respecting and accepting ourselves—by cultivating self-love—can we truly find happiness. This self-love is not about elevating oneself above others or fostering arrogance; rather, it is about genuine self-acceptance.

When we are happy, we are in a better position to bring happiness to others. Conversely, if we feel negativity within ourselves, it becomes challenging to uplift those around us. In such a state, we may not even see others clearly; we become trapped in our own perceptions, viewing the world solely through our filters. It’s akin to placing a gray filter over a camera lens, making the brightest blue sky appear dull and gray. In this mindset, happiness is difficult to share, and kind words may get stuck in our throats.

To express humanity and compassion toward others, we must first focus on our own happiness. Ultimately, we can only share what we truly feel. By prioritizing our well-being, we create a foundation from which we can positively impact those around us.

In conclusion, Feuerbach’s wisdom serves as a reminder that self-happiness is not a selfish pursuit; it is a prerequisite for fostering genuine connections and spreading joy in the world.

Finding Joy in Every Moment: A Reflection on Christian Morgenstern’s Quote

Today’s quote comes from Christian Morgenstern: “But isn’t there happiness in every great moment, regardless of whether it is bright or dark, right or wrong?”

This quote aligns perfectly with Morgenstern, known for his „Galgenlieder,“ a collection of nonsensical poems that gained recognition through his unique style.

As I interpret these lines, it suggests that happiness can be found in all experiences, no matter what happens. At first glance, this statement may seem nonsensical, much like the Galgenlieder that made Morgenstern famous.

However, despite its seemingly absurd nature, I find this sentiment to be profoundly true and even comforting. Happiness is often difficult to recognize during dark days or challenging situations that leave us feeling sad, angry, or speechless. In such moments, we may only see the shadows of our circumstances or the dark clouds looming overhead. Happiness feels invisible, intangible, and elusive. Yet, I resonate with the essence of this quote.

Days, weeks, months, or even years may pass before we understand why certain events occurred and what the positive, happy aspects might be. Not every situation can be retrospectively viewed through a lens of happiness. For instance, in cases of terminal illness or instances of abuse and violence, the path to finding happiness seems particularly daunting.

Nevertheless, even those who endure such difficult and incomprehensible moments experience joyful hours. Happiness is likely present everywhere, even if it doesn’t appear so at first glance. As long as we are alive, there is a form of happiness in existence itself. We have the opportunity to extract positivity from the present moment and, as much as it is within our power, to make the world a better place for others, ensuring that their journey is a little easier.

In conclusion, Morgenstern reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is potential for joy. Embracing this perspective can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

The Power of Stillness: Kierkegaard and the Journey of Self-Reflection

The quote for today comes from Søren Kierkegaard: „When everything is quiet, the most happens.“ Kierkegaard was a philosopher and a pioneer of existentialism, a philosophical movement rooted in humanism. This philosophy addresses questions of existence and meaning, emphasizing the dimension of time rather than seeking universally valid answers. It focuses on the individual, stripped of norms, values, roles, and other external characteristics.

Philosophers of this movement assert that individuals have a duty to question themselves and embark on a journey of self-discovery. A person can only be free and autonomous if they choose to be so, recognizing themselves as temporal and finite beings. The present moment, the „now,“ holds central significance. The actions that define who a person is at this moment determine their essence. Through personal will and the freedom to choose, one’s identity and autonomy emerge, making interpersonal connections more meaningful.

In this context, I find Kierkegaard’s quote particularly intriguing. Self-reflection, the development of the self, can only occur in stillness. In the chaos and turmoil of our VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, we often lack the opportunity to question ourselves and our actions, which is essential for learning and growth. It is in silence that the most profound developments can take place.

A valuable tool for such reflection is Miller, Sherod & Phyllis´s Wheel of Awareness. (https://primarygoals.com/teams/models/awareness-wheel/) This method encourages individuals to reflect quietly on the following levels:

  1. Sensory Perceptions: What did I perceive solely through my senses, without judgment or interpretation?

  2. Thoughts: How did I interpret and evaluate the situation? What thoughts came to me?

  3. Feelings: How did I feel afterward?

  4. Intentions/Wishes: What did I want to do next? What were my desires?

  5. Behaviour: How did I react? What actions did I take based on my interpretations?

Once these questions are addressed, the reflection deepens by asking how the situation could have been interpreted differently. What evaluations might have varied? This process continues through each point, starting with feelings: If I had evaluated the situation— which is inherently neutral— differently, how might I have felt? Think then on the impact of the following questions regarding intentions and behaviour.

Embracing Hope: A Reflection on Renewal

Today’s quote is a wisdom from the Native Americans: “Never despair. Days pass like autumn leaves flying in the wind, and the days return with a clear sky and the splendor of the forests. Every seed is awakened anew, and so life unfolds.”

This is a beautiful and uplifting message. It’s easy to say “never despair,” but when fears and doubts rush in like a hungry wolf, it can feel overwhelming. Yet, this quote reminds us to stay grounded, to reflect on our strengths, and to trust in our resilience.

We can do this by recalling moments of success, joy, self-acceptance, and self-love. The moments of fear and doubt will pass, just like the autumn leaves swept away by the wind. There will come a time when those anxieties and uncertainties fade. Each day can unfold differently if we let go of the clouds from yesterday and consciously choose not to cling to them. By opening our eyes to the wonders around us, no matter how small—like a ladybug on the window or a vibrant red leaf—we invite positivity into our lives.

Every day presents us with a fresh opportunity to start anew, to make courageous choices, and to embrace new beginnings. Just as the quote suggests, each day holds the potential for something to end, like the falling leaves, but it also holds the promise for new growth and blossoming. Perhaps a seed that has long been dormant can finally break through to the surface.

Let’s focus on the positive. When has something wonderful happened to you out of nowhere? For me, it was the pregnancy with my first child. I had almost given up hope and was saving for a dog instead. Then, quite unexpectedly, I found out I was pregnant, as if from “nothing.” This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one that arrived so suddenly. (And yes, I eventually got a dog too!)

Let us embrace the unexpected joys that life brings, knowing that each day is a chance for renewal and growth.

Embracing Success: The Power of Vision Boards

Ernst Bloch, the German philosopher and social theorist, is known for his philosophy of hope. He emphasized that dreams and desires—our utopias—are the driving force behind our actions and can lead to societal change. Bloch’s ideas have had a lasting impact on culture in the fields of art, literature, and political theory.

The Power of a Vision Board

A practical example of being in love with success is creating a vision board. On a vision board, we visualize our desired utopias—our wishes, dreams, life goals, and yearnings—by creating a collage of images and words. This creative activity helps clarify our goals and activates our subconscious to bring these visions to life.

How a Vision Board Works

A vision board encourages a more conscious and focused perception of our environment. By visualizing our desires, we are quicker to recognize opportunities and more motivated to seize them. This relates to the confirmation bias, which leads us to select information that supports our expectations. If we believe in our failure, we tend to notice only setbacks, negatively impacting our emotions and demeanor.

Conversely, a positive attitude leads to greater self-confidence—manifested in an upright posture, strong voice, and firm handshake. People with a positive outlook tend to attract like-minded individuals, which aligns with the so-called excellence phenomenon: top-notch leaders attract and retain top employees. Those who embody excellence seek inspiration at eye level to further develop themselves, while mediocre leaders often perceive high achievers as a threat.

Conclusion

When we are in love with success, we cultivate the intrinsic motivation to achieve excellence. We naturally attract exceptional people into our lives—a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Question for the Readers: How do you implement utopias in your professional life to achieve your goals? What steps can you take to visualize and realize your visions?

Today’s Reflection: Embracing Inner Stillness

Today’s quote comes from Swami Sivananda: “Just as the bottom of a lake becomes clearly visible when the surface waves settle, so too can the true self be perceived when the fluctuations of the mind calm.”

Only when we find stillness and become fully present with ourselves can we truly recognize who we are. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, this has become increasingly challenging. We are bombarded with a constant stream of news, facts, and information. Even in everyday life, choices have multiplied; in supermarkets, for instance, we now face entire aisles filled with countless varieties of jam, rather than just four or five options.

Take a look at today’s youth: they often juggle multiple digital devices simultaneously. One screen might be playing music or a movie while another is used for homework or gaming. In restaurants, people no longer simply engage in conversation; they send messages, respond to notifications, and read texts—all while dining together. Even parents out for a stroll with their children often find themselves on the phone, chatting with friends. The focus on genuine human connection has sadly become an afterthought.

This is unfortunate because true connection with others can only be discovered when we tune out distractions and concentrate fully on the person in front of us. We now know that multitasking is not effective, yet we continue to act as if it is possible.

But the quote speaks to something deeper: in extreme situations, it can be nearly impossible to be ourselves. Just as turbulent waves hide the lake’s depths, intense emotions can obscure our true selves, making it hard to feel who we really are. This is why it is crucial to return to the present moment, consciously focusing on now and letting everything else fade away.

Breathing slowly and deeply can be a powerful way to calm those waves. In that moment of tranquility, our true selves re-emerge.

The same principle applies to our interactions with others: when we genuinely engage with someone, we can sense their true self—provided they are open to it. Let’s prioritize the moment and focus on what truly matters: ourselves and those around us. By doing so, we can cultivate deeper connections and rediscover the essence of who we are.

The Vital Role of Anger: Understanding and Harnessing Its Power

„Never act in haste out of anger – you have enough time.“ — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Anger is often viewed as a negative emotion. In professional settings, it is frowned upon, much like many other emotions. From my experience, joy is perhaps the only fundamental emotion that is somewhat acceptable in the workplace, although it is often expressed cautiously. According to Paul Ekman, the basic emotions include joy, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, anger, and contempt. https://www.neverest.at/blog/7-grundemotionen-paul-ekman/

However, anger is anything but unnecessary. It is a crucial emotion that support us in following:

  1. Indication of Injustice: Anger reveals that the person feels wronged and highlights injustices that need to be addressed.

  2. Motivation for Change: Anger encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, set new boundaries, and advocate for ourselves actively.

  3. Self-Protection: Anger helps us recognize underlying feelings and protects us from falling into a cycle of sadness or self-pity.

  4. Enhanced Self-Reflection: Anger highlights where we have been hurt and prompts us to reflect on past experiences.

  5. Catalyst for Communication: Anger drives us to discuss issues that have caused us pain. It often serves as a prompt to resolve conflicts or uncover misunderstandings.

  6. Source of Energy: Unlike sadness, anger provides us with energy and strength, enabling us to tackle and overcome new challenges.

  7. Emotional Processing: Anger aids in processing emotions, including fear and sadness, contributing to healing our wounds. https://www.geo.de/magazine/geo-kompakt/15270-rtkl-psychologie-heilsamer-zorn-ueber-die-wut-und-ihre-positiven

Like all emotions, anger holds significant and positive meaning. The key is to recognize anger and use it constructively. This emotion can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and even bring about a positive change in society.

Suppressing or denying anger is detrimental, as the aggressive energy it generates must go somewhere. If it is not expressed outwardly, it turns inward, potentially leading to depression or other psychosomatic disorders, according to scientists.

On the other hand, blind anger can be destructive. Emerson is not against anger; rather, he views it as a driving force that must be released gradually. It’s akin to a pressure cooker: when the contents (anger) boil, the pressure must be released slowly. If I were to open the lid suddenly, the contents would splatter against the walls and ceiling.

Treat anger like the process of opening a pressure cooker.

The Importance of Spending Time with Yourself: A Journey to Self-Love

„Spend some time with yourself every day.“ — Dalai Lama

This quote resonates deeply with me. Someone once told me that you are the most important person in your own life, a sentiment attributed to Martin Luther. Back in high school, I thought it sounded quite self-absorbed and even egocentric. During my university years, I frequently discussed a similar phrase with my roommates: „Love your neighbor as yourself“ (Mark 12:31). Some focused on „love your neighbor,“ but I believe the emphasis lies on „as yourself.“

To me, the crucial point is in that second part. You can only love another person as much as you have learned to love yourself. After all, where can love come from if you aren’t treating yourself with kindness? Is it possible that we confuse love with simply wanting to please others or feeling we must earn our partner’s affection? Only when we appreciate and accept ourselves as we truly are can we allow others to value us without needing any justification—just by being ourselves.

Achieving this self-acceptance and appreciation requires time for self-discovery. We need to understand how and why we react the way we do. Engaging with ourselves means looking into the darker aspects of our self and daring to reflect, even through discomfort.

A helpful concept for learning self-love is the Appreciation Pyramid by Prof. Dr. Reinhard Haller, which consists of seven levels:

  1. Awareness: Ask yourself, „How am I feeling right now? What’s happening within me?“

  2. Mindfulness: Focus on your thoughts. „Where are my thoughts? How can I bring them to the present moment, since only the now can be changed?“

  3. Respect: Consider how you treat your soul and body. „Do I respect my own boundaries?“

  4. Recognition: Reflect on your achievements. „What did I accomplish today? What went well?“

  5. Appreciation: Think about your positive interactions. „How did I behave positively today? Where did I make a difference?“

  6. Trust: This level is a natural outcome of the previous steps—trusting your abilities and knowing how to respond in different situations.

  7. Self-love: This is the culmination of all the previous levels.

How can you reach all this states? The answer is simple: spend time with yourself.