Gratitude Practice

When I learned about the Three Good Things practice, I decided to give it a try.  Before going to bed, you write down three good things that happened that day.[1]  This practice has been shown to increase happiness and prevent burnout.[2]

Unfortunately, by the time I was ready for bed, I couldn't remember much good that happened in the office that day. In fact, I only remembered those patients I was worried about. It became an exercise in frustration and anxiety. 

I have modified Three Good Things to help (compulsive) people like me.

1. Dedicate a phone app to keep the gratitude journal.
2. Throughout the day, type or dictate a 1-2 word phrase into the app when something good happens.
3. At the end of the day, take it out and bring those moments to mind, expanding the phrase to a mini-story of what you're thankful for.

1. 1 Try identifying ‘Three Good Things’ each evening to boost happiness July 10, 2024

By: Katie Kerwin McCrimmon, UCHealth  

https://www.uchealth.org/today/identify-three-good-things-daily-to-boost-happiness/

2.2 Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions.

Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.