Goodfinding
Looking for and acknowledging Good in others (and ourselves).
In 2017, I completed an intense 4-week course called altMBA. A powerful exercise in learning empathy (for others, and ourselves). A part of altMBA was a focus Goodfinding.
Championed by William G. DeFoore, Ph.D., he describes it as
The practice of “creating happiness on purpose”.
This conscious recognition of “good” deeds, behaviors, and actions - can change our perspective on the world, as well how we think of ourselves. Although there is evidence, from Peter Diamandis (and others), of just how incredible it is to be alive right now, it feels like chaos and separation are increasing. This underscores the value of Goodfinding.
Hiding in Plain Sight
When you start looking for a new car or learn a new word, you often start to see them all over. This has been referred to as the baader-meinhof-phenomenon or the Frequency Illusion. Described as “a cognitive bias in which a person notices a specific concept, word, or product more frequently after recently becoming aware of it.”
According to DeFoore, and personal lived experience, this is also the case for finding Good. It is always there and with intention we can see it more clearly and more often.
The good of someone (or you) holding a door open, greeting with a warm “hello”, or meaning it when you say “thank you”. The Good of a dedicated teacher, a coach, a parent, a sibling, a mentor, a boss, an employee, a friend. Even the person who simply tells you the truth. This includes the good that you do as well. And the good others, and you, have done in the past.
The more you look, the more Good you will find.
The possibility of shifting our perception of the world and ourselves is compelling.
Invitation to Action: Tell Them
Are there people like this who helped you to become what you are today? Who helped to shape you? Who opened up doors or interests or unlocked talent in an area?
Have you let them know? Have you told them, in detail, the impact they had on you?
Have you thanked them for their time, their ideas, their enthusiasm ..their Good?
Acknowledgement is an amazing gift to the “Doer of Good” and yourself.
Please consider acknowledging someone in your life for their Good.
Link to the book: https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/840247-goodfinding
About the Book
What you pay attention to grows, and finding the good helps the good find you. You’re born with a brilliant mind, but it doesn’t come with a user’s guide or an on-off switch. Left to its own devices, it can feel like your worst enemy when its survival-based default program keeps you focused on what is wrong with you and your world. This book is the user’s guide that puts you in charge of how your mind works. With positive psychology and emotional intelligence working for you, you will become the conscious creator you were born to be. Goodfinding activates your brilliant mind with gratitude, appreciation, and optimism for your past, present, and future, deriving value and opportunity from all of your life experiences. William G. DeFoore, Ph.D., a mental health counselor for more than fifty years, shares this roadmap to help you achieve your desired outcomes. The premise of the book is that you have a good heart, and when you use your brilliant mind effectively, it will be in direct service to that inner goodness. Goodfinding will become your manual, guide, and companion as you expand into the best version of the person you choose to be. What you pay attention to grows, and finding the good helps the good find you.