The Positive Shift

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

In The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, a book by Dr Catherine Sanderson. In my interview with Catherine, we discuss the science behind thought and how our mindset (or thought patterns) exerts a substantial influence on our psychological and physical health.

While our natural disposition is mostly determined by our biology, life experiences, conditioning and environment, regardless, with practice we can make minor tweaks in our mindset that will improve the quality and longevity of our life. Jumping from a collective perspective on happiness to the individual definition Catherine shares advice on how we can change our behaviours and thought processes to improve overall happiness. Enjoy!

Guest Bio 

Catherine A. Sanderson is the Manwell Family Professor of Life Sciences (Psychology) at Amherst College. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a specialisation in Health and Development. Professor Sanderson has published over 25 journal articles and book chapters in addition to four college textbooks, middle school and high school health textbooks, and a trade book on parenting. Her latest trade book, The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, will be released in January of 2019.

Professor Sanderson speaks regularly for public and corporate audiences on topics such as the science of happiness, the power of emotional intelligence, the mind-body connection, and the psychology of good and evil. She is currently working on a book (coming in 2020) on why good people so often stay silent or do nothing in the face of wrongdoing. Catherine lives with her husband, Bart Hollander, and three children – Andrew, Robert, and Caroline – in Hadley, Massachusetts.

Topics of discussion 

What is happiness and how is it influenced? Cultural elements and those that affect the individual – health, education, meaningful work, contribution and relationships.

Discussing mindset: What it is, how it’s developed and what we can do to encourage a positive mindset.

Where thoughts come from and how to develop positive thoughts.
The benefits of positive and negative thinking.

Tool belt talk – ideas on improving one’s happiness, health and longevity.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Making action lists.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

It’s going to be okay.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Success is about the quality of relationships in my life.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Using little amounts of time wisely and productively.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Most people report regret from inaction – try taking more action.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Ice-cream

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Travel

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity by Catherine A. Sanderson

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

We have many different options that could be the hidden why or purpose.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Doing work that has meaning and sharing with others while also being able to spend time with friends and family.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

I want to feel as though I am making a difference.

How to connect with Catherine 

Catherine’s Website here – https://sandersonspeaking.com

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.