Courtney E. Ackerman - My Pocket Positivity: Anytime Exercises That Boost Optimism, Confidence, and Possibility

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First Adams Media trade paperback edition November 2018

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Interior design by Heather McKiel

Interior images Getty Images/hpkalyani

Cover design by Katrina Machado

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ackerman, Courtney E., author.

My pocket positivity / Courtney E. Ackerman.

Avon, Massachudetts: Adams Media, 2018.

Series: My pocket.

LCCN 2018017349 | ISBN 9781507208502 (pb) | ISBN 9781507208519 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Self-actualization (Psychology) | Motivation (Psychology) | Self-confidence. | BISAC: SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational. | SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / General.

Classification: LCC BF637.S4 A345 2018 | DDC 158.1--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018017349

ISBN 978-1-5072-0850-2

ISBN 978-1-5072-0851-9 (ebook)

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Simon & Schuster, Inc., was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

Are you looking for a more vibrant and happy life?

Do you want to boost your confidence and enhance all that is special about you?

Are you looking to banish negativity and find a fresh perspective?

If so, the answer youre looking for is positivity !

My Pocket Positivity presents 140 exercises you can do at home, at work, or on the go to help you make the most of potentially bad situations, see the best in other people, and view yourself and your abilities in a positive light. These quick but powerful exercises will help you become more mindful, more grateful, and a better, more optimistic version of yourself!

Youll learn how to develop and increase some of the most important positivity traits, including:

Well-being

Happiness and inspiration

Resilience

Optimism and gratitude

Self-confidence and self-esteem

Mindfulness

Self-love and compassion

As you delve into these exercises, keep in mind that they dont follow a strict order. If you feel drawn to one topic in particular, skip straight to it. The rest will be here waiting for you whenever you are ready. After all, there is no wrong way to go about building a happier, more positive life! A brighter, better future is waiting for you, so turn the page and lets get started!

T here is a good reason that the first chapter in this book is dedicated to helping you enhance your well-being. Well-being is more than happiness or just feeling goodits a global sense that your life is a good one, that you are fulfilled and satisfied by your day-to-day life.

A high level of well-being is the foundation upon which you can build the life that you want, and it can open you up to developing your gratitude, optimism, confidence, happiness, and other important, positive traits. Having at least a minimum level of well-being is vital to living the good life, and the exercises in this chapter can help you get to the minimum and beyond.

The effectiveness of this exercise hinges on the natural human desire to help others. Doing good for others is one of the best ways to enhance your own well-being, and thinking about the potential ripple effects of your positive actions can boost it even more!

Engaging in this exercise is easy. You dont need to donate all your money or volunteer all your extra time to gain the benefits of altruism; all you need to do is one helpful or generous thing for someone else.

Think about something someone did for you, something touching and unexpected. It might be hard to think of it at first, but some act of kindness will eventually come to you. Maybe a cashier alerted you to a discount or coupon that you didnt know about, or maybe someone let you take their cab when you were in a hurry.

Take a moment to think about how it felt to be on the receiving end of this action. Cultivate gratitude for this random act of kindness.

Then, pay it forward! Give up your seat on the subway, bake cookies for a new neighbor, pay for someones coffee in the drive-through, or just give a stranger a heartfelt compliment.

What you do is not important, as long as it is a positive act that is intended to brighten someone elses day. Engage in small acts of kindness as often as you can, and youll notice a marked increase in your own well-being!

As simple as it sounds, taking a walk can give you a surprisingly big boost to your well-being, both physically and mentally. Its a simple and easy activity that almost anyone can do when they want to feel better.

The next time you are feeling sad, anxious, sluggish, unfocused, or upset, put on your walking shoes and go outside. If youre low on energy, try a quick, vigorous walk to put some pep into your day. A quick-stepping stroll will invigorate and energize you, leaving you with newfound motivation to carry on with your day.

If youre feeling overwhelmed or youve been multitasking all day, try a slow, purposeful walk. Force yourself to take a few medium steps instead of several small steps or one giant stride. While you walk, remind yourself to look around you and enjoy the scenery. Notice any particularly appealing sights, for example, a tree with leaves waving gently in the breeze or a happy couple walking arm in arm down the street.