Unit 3 Learning Activity Entry ✓ Solved

Unit 3 Learning Activity In this learning activity entry, you

In this learning activity entry, you will focus on consolidation in cognitive therapy. As mentioned when we began this process in Unit 1, one helpful rule of thumb is that it often takes about 21 days to establish a new habit. This will be your third week to focus on finding and recording good news each day, and how that process can affect cognitive change. For part three of this learning activity, write at least two full paragraphs about your process of recording good news and how that practice may bring about cognitive change. How has the practice been for you? Do you find yourself looking forward or resenting this assignment? Are you looking forward to recording your good news because it has a "life of its own"? Has it become boring to you? What, if any, effect is this practice having on other aspects of your habits of thought? What effect, if any, does this practice have on your mood and your life? Do you think that this is something that you will continue after the conclusion of this assignment? Can you see how this process may lead to cognitive change, please explain?

Paper For Above Instructions

Engaging in the practice of recording good news has profoundly influenced my cognitive processes over the last three weeks. The act of diligently identifying and documenting positive experiences each day has not only cultivated a sense of gratitude but has also restructured my habitual thought patterns. Initially, this assignment felt like a chore, yet as I settled into the routine, I experienced a shift in perspective. Each dawn brought an opportunity to reflect on the previous day and extract snippets of positivity, no matter how trivial. From witnessing a beautiful sunrise to receiving a compliment from a colleague, I found that these moments became anchors for my day. They shifted my focus from the mundane or challenging aspects of my life to the bright spots that often go unnoticed. The anticipation of writing down my good news has transformed what once felt like an obligation into a delightful ritual that brings lightness and appreciation into my life.

The transformative nature of this practice extended beyond just a daily exercise; it reshaped my overall demeanor and engagement with life. I began to look forward to the moments of joy that I had previously overlooked. As I immersed myself in the routine, I noticed an upward trend in my mood and a marked improvement in my interactions with others. Recording good news prompted me to actively seek out positive experiences, thereby amplifying the joy and contentment in my daily life. This conscious shift resulted in an overarching change in my habits of thought, where positivity began to replace my ingrained tendencies towards negativity. Instead of allowing stressors to dominate my mental landscape, I cultivated resilience through this practice. Moreover, it prompted me to contemplate the strategies that enhance my coping mechanisms and sustain emotional balance.

Looking ahead, I am confident that I will continue this practice beyond the completion of the assignment. The insights I have gained through the simple act of recording good news have profound implications for cognitive change. By consistently highlighting and acknowledging positive experiences, I am actively retraining my brain to focus on the affirmative rather than the detrimental aspects of life. This change is significant, as it positions me to handle challenges with a more optimistic mindset, thus fostering resilience. Furthermore, I can foresee how this practice may buffer against future stressors, enabling me to navigate life's uncertainties with a more centered and hopeful attitude. The act of recognizing and documenting positivity creates a cognitive foundation that supports overall well-being and mental health. Ultimately, this practice not only serves as a tool for personal growth but also as a pathway toward cultivating a more expansive and affirmative outlook on life.

References

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Free Press.
  • Dunn, E. W., & Norton, M. I. (2013). Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending. Simon & Schuster.
  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 359(1449), 1367-1377.
  • Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2014). Perspectives on Personality. Pearson.
  • Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. Penguin Press.
  • Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow.
  • Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.
  • Isen, A. M. (2000). Some Perspectives on Positive Feelings and Emotions. American Psychologist, 55(1), 12-15.
  • Bono, G., & McCullough, M. E. (2006). The Role of Gratitude in Spiritual Well-Being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7(3), 321-329.
  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.