Three Emotions That Can Help You Succeed at Your Goals 🌟

We often think willpower and grit are essential for achieving our goals, but the real key lies in our emotions. Professor David DeSteno’s argues that fostering emotions like gratitude, compassion, and perhaps counter-intuitively pride, are actually more effective when it comes to building the resilience and perspective needed for long-term success.

Relying solely on willpower can be challenging (and often ineffective when faced with immediate temptations – think of being starving hungry and offered your favourite food that you’ve sworn off as just one example). But while willpower can quickly deplete, these emotions grow stronger with use.

1. Gratitude: Enhances self-control and perseverance. Reflecting on what we're thankful for can make us more patient and future-oriented. Try thinking about what you’re grateful for every night before going to sleep.

2. Compassion: Caring for others and considering our future selves when making decisions helps us make wise choices. Practices like meditation and finding commonalities with others can enhance compassion, leading to better decision-making and stronger relationships.

3. Pride: Authentic pride in our accomplishments can drive us to continue striving towards our goals. Recognize your efforts, not just outcomes, to maintain a healthy sense of pride.

These emotions not only help us stay focused but also strengthen our social connections, leading to a positive cycle of wellbeing and success all in one.

For more read "Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride" by David DeSteno.