The Magic Formula: No Math Required
As someone who found math as a challenge, I am relieved to talk about a winning formula with no math required. Some folks may be intrigued as to why I am talking about a formula when it’s not my strong point — no stress, friends! The formula takes me to E+P=O. We don’t decide the events in our life, but we do decide our perspective and that determines our outcome. It also makes me think about how kindness and happiness fit into the equation, as well.
So, why should we care about happiness and kindness in the first place? Well, research shows that happiness is so much more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s a mindset that drives us to do our best work, be more creative, and build stronger connections with the people around us.
In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor (2010) shares how happiness isn’t just a result of success—it’s the precursor to it. When we’re happy, our brains are in a state that primes us for success. Positive emotions activate the learning centers in our brains, making us more motivated, creative, and resilient (Achor, 2010). In other words, when we’re feeling good, we perform better. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to perform at their best?
This isn’t just about individual success. When happiness is cultivated in a team or community—whether in a school or business—it creates a ripple effect. Happy people spread positivity to those around them, creating a collective sense of motivation and collaboration (Achor, 2010). So, imagine the kind of impact we could make if we all committed to making happiness and kindness a bigger part of our daily lives? I mean, did you know that you have the possibility of positively impacting your friends, friends, friends!? It’s that contagious.
Let’s dig into the science for a minute. It’s pretty fascinating how happiness impacts our performance. Achor (2010) explains that when doctors are put in a positive mood before making diagnoses, they show almost three times more intelligence and creativity than those in a neutral state. Plus, they make accurate diagnoses 19% faster. That’s a big deal!
And the same principle applies to students. Research shows that students who are primed to feel happy before taking a math test outperform their peers who aren’t in a positive mood (Achor, 2010). It’s not magic—it’s just how our brains work. Positive emotions flood our brains with chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which help us think better, learn faster, and solve problems more effectively (Achor, 2010).
But it’s not just about performing better in tasks—it’s about feeling better, too. Happiness is linked to better physical health, which means happier individuals tend to be less stressed, take fewer sick days, and engage in more productive behaviors. Happy people are also more likely to engage in healthy habits, like exercising, which boosts overall well-being (Achor, 2010).
Kindness: The Secret to Stronger Relationships
Now let’s talk about kindness. You might be thinking, "This is all well and good, but how does kindness fit into the picture?" Well, kindness is another key ingredient in creating a positive, thriving environment. It turns out that acts of kindness—whether big or small—don’t just make others feel good; they make us feel good, too. Kindness isn’t something you give — it’s something you live!
When we engage in acts of kindness, like offering support or expressing appreciation, it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and anxiety (Achor, 2010). It’s like a natural antidote to the pressures we face every day. And the best part? Kindness is contagious. When we’re kind to others, we create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated to give their best. This can be especially powerful in schools and workplaces, where collaboration and positive relationships are essential to success.
The ripple effect of kindness is real. Studies show that people who are kind to others experience less stress, better mental health, and stronger social connections (Achor, 2010). And in organizations, kindness leads to improved teamwork, reduced conflict, and higher performance (Grant & Gino, 2010). Whether you’re a leader, a teacher, or a colleague, you have the power to foster a culture of kindness that benefits everyone. Your kindness has the ability to impact 1,000 lives!
Okay, so we’ve established that happiness and kindness are powerful tools. But how can we start applying this to our daily lives? Here are some simple strategies for schools, businesses, or any organization that wants to improve performance, build stronger relationships, and create a more positive environment.
Start with Gratitude: Encouraging gratitude can make a big difference in fostering a positive culture. One of the easiest ways to do this is through gratitude exercises. Encourage students or employees to take a few minutes each day to reflect on what they’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift mindsets and help people focus on the positives. It can be as simple as 3 good things right now or taking 60 seconds.
Encourage Acts of Kindness: Kindness doesn’t have to be grand to make an impact. Encourage your team to perform small, deliberate acts of kindness each day. This could be as simple as complimenting a colleague or helping a student with their homework. The more kindness becomes a habit, the more it will spread.
Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Whether it’s a small win or a major milestone, acknowledgment goes a long way in boosting morale and motivating others to keep working hard. Take time to celebrate progress—this shows people that their hard work is valued and appreciated.
Promote Team Building and Social Connections: Strong relationships are at the heart of happiness and success. Create opportunities for people to connect and build relationships. This could be through team-building exercises, social events, or simply providing a space for people to connect and collaborate.
The bottom line is this: happiness and kindness are not just "nice-to-haves" in schools and businesses—they’re essential ingredients for success. By cultivating a positive environment where people feel supported, motivated, and valued, we set the stage for success, creativity, and well-being. As humans, we are wired to want to belong and when we feel like we belong, we are able to be physically and psychologically safe to take risks and be the best version of ourselves sparking innovation.
As leaders, educators, and colleagues, we have the power to create spaces where happiness and kindness thrive. Whether it’s through small daily acts of kindness, fostering a positive mindset, or simply taking the time to celebrate successes, we can all contribute to a culture that inspires growth and achievement.
So, why wait? Start today. Make happiness and kindness part of your routine, and watch how it transforms your school, business, or organization for the better. And remember, if you can’t find the light, be the light! All my best, always! Bring The Kindness Tour to you!
DR. CHRISTOPHER CULVER
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References
Achor, S. (2010). The happiness advantage: The seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work. Crown Business.
Grant, A. M., & Gino, F. (2010). A little thanks goes a long way: Explaining why gratitude expressions motivate prosocial behavior. Psychological Science, 21(12), 1797-1802. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797610380739
Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (Eds.). (2020). World happiness report 2020. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.