Why Negative Experiences Overshadow The Positive Ones (And What To Do About It)

Let's talk about why negative experiences overshadow the positive ones and what you can do about it. I am obsessed with this theory of the brain called the Velcro Teflon theory of the brain. It says that negative things usually stick, stick to the brain. Our minds, like Velcro, you don't have to do anything. As soon as they're exposed to it, it's stuck with it. And that's evidenced by traumatic experiences that may happen in seconds and stay with you for a long time. And you have to do so much work to process that negative experience and emotion. And the Teflon part says that the positive ones slide like butter on Teflon, like, they don't stick. So the brain is wired to be more aligned and more connected with the negative experiences in our lives. And what can we do about it? Well, research shows that if you understand this, then you have the opportunity to sit with the positive experiences for 15 seconds. And at that point, it will stick. It will remain in your mind. You know, how you could have a fantastic day, but then one little thing happens, and it was probably the last one, and you're like, this is the worst day ever. You forgot about all the other positives. Well, if you want the positive to overshadow the negatives in your life, the secret is to sit with it for 15 seconds. So now every time I'm in nature, which is my happy place, or I'm having a moment with my kids and my family, I find myself one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi, and I literally count to 15 in my head to, like, experience and remember that moment deeply so that I may continue to live in joy and happiness every day. If this was helpful, make sure you share it with someone you love and like. Subscribe and Visit us@betterwithbetsy.com.