The magic of “Three Good Things”

“Being a born optimist is not required – this is a habit you can acquire. A simple way to get started is to begin the ‘Three Good Things’ intervention: Each day for at least one week, write down three things that went well that day, and the reasons why.” ~Andrew Weil, MD

Are you suffering from the post-holiday-letdown blues? Or feeling nervous about what’s ahead in the new year? Today is January 3rd, so it’s the perfect time to revisit Dr. Andrew Weil’s “Three Good Things” prescription, which promises to increase levels of happiness for a full six months. I’ve used this exercise in my journaling workshops, and students who follow it consistently find that it’s a life-changing routine. It’s a clever way to refocus your brain on pleasant experiences rather than negative ones.

And it’s incredibly easy. Get yourself a journal or notebook (or create one online) and list three positive things that you noticed during your day. Do this every day for at least one week. (If you find more than three good things, give yourself extra credit.) Write a sentence or two explaining why each good thing stood out or made a difference to you.

Remember that “good things” don’t have to be big things. If you were lifted by kind words from a friend or inspired by something beautiful you saw on an errand or a daily walk, write it down. ~CL

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