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Mindset for Happiness: Retrain Your Brain

By Sharon Meit Abrahams
June 01, 2023

Recently, there has been a lot written about lawyers and their lack of happiness. This unhappiness extends to both their profession and their personal lives. The first week of May was the ABA's Well-being week, during which firms are encouraged to offer programming and activities that address the six pillars of the ABA Well-being Pledge. Some firms do participate, while others do not. However, regardless of what firms do, the root of unhappiness ultimately comes from within the individual and cannot be changed or affected by a firm's thoughtful and engaging programming.

Happiness is not a permanent feature or personality trait, but a more fleeting, changeable state. Progress on our professional and personal goals can make us feel happier and more satisfied with life. The pursuit of happiness can be a goal, but it is important to remember that happiness is not permanent, and it is normal to experience negative thoughts and emotions. It is important to identify and challenge negative thoughts.

Negative Thinking

As humans, we have negative thoughts to protect ourselves from danger. For example, if you see fruit in a tree and wonder if you should climb on the limb to retrieve it, your negative thought might be, "If I climb up there, the branch might break and I'll fall to the ground." This negative thought is a way for your body to protect you from injury. When we have negative thoughts, our body produces cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, that puts our physical body in a state of readiness to either fight or flee. In this case, the negative thought is helping you to avoid injury by making you less likely to climb the tree.

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