7 Bits of Information

Did you know you can consciously pay
attention to 7 bits of information in one
second? Sounds like a lot until you realize
the human eye can actually take in over
500,000 bits of info per second! The
conclusion? You literally create your reality
by what you pay attention to in life.

If you’re walking down the street, you may
notice graffiti on the wall, dirt on the road,
someone parked too close to someone else,
someone dressed a little strangely, etc. Or
you may notice the fresh and crisp air, the
sun peeking out from a cloud, a person with
a big smile…you get the picture.

The same thing happens in your life. That to
which you give your attention (whether negative
or positive) can frame your day. The natural
segue is that all of us should focus on the good
stuff, right? It’s not that easy. Humans are
naturally attracted to the negative (the negativity
bias). And some of us are attracted to it more
than others.

For those of you thinking, “Wait, I pay attention
to both negative and positive things because
I’m a realist. I don’t want to ignore bad things or
I might be blindsided.” I want to point out that
finding positive elements in your life is not mutually
exclusive from realism. In other words, optimists
can be realists, just as much as pessimists. I’m not
saying ignore the bad; I’m saying start paying
attention to some of the good and you will start
to feel and operate differently.

Did you know that optimists have been found to be
more creative, more productive, make more money,
and have better immune systems? What I’m telling
you in this email is that you are not condemned to be
one way (an optimist) or another (a pessimist) based
on your genes. Optimism can be practiced and
increased - optimism can be learned.

Here is your mission: First, figure out what you do
naturally. Do you naturally attend to more of the
negative or positive in your life? Second, compensate
or overcompensate by consciously looking for things
that are good. Focus your attention on things that
are good. You need to tip the balance of your attention
in the favor of the positive.

Today, when you are on the street, in your car, at
home, or at work, pay attention to the good – in fact,
seek it out like it is a scavenger hunt. See how this
practice changes your day.

Remember, all good things require action!

Love & Light,
Amelie Chance
Certified Coach of Positive Psychology
HealMyBrokenHeart.com