PRIMERS

Primers entertain, inspire and educate us. Primers are underrated, helpful and known by many different names. Here we use the word primer when referring to stimuli that get us in a good frame of mind, positively activating and engaging us. Positive primers productively impact our thinking and behavior.

Used effectively, positive primers can transform the way we relate to and impact the world around us.  With some thought and little effort you too can use primers to configure a more positive environment and frame of mind for yourself and your family.

Primers can be visual, aural, textual, physical, natural and most importantly simple.

Primer Examples 

  • Photographs
  • Music
  • Exercise
  • Scenery
  • Gratitudes
  • Reading
  • Pets
  • Art
  • Sleep
  • Hugs
  • Playing
  • Mindfulness
  • Affirmations
  • Flowers
  • Stretching
  • Laughter
  • Colour
  • Messages
  • Memories
  • Conversation

Ask yourself

Where do you spend most of your time?
  • Eg. Car, Living Room, Bedroom, Office, Garden, Exercising, Outside, Inside
What primer could you introduce into each space (eg. bedroom, car, office)?
  • Refer to the list above
What small thing frustrates or upsets you most in each space? Change it.
  • Clear the clutter / Change the decor / Fix or throw out what is not working
What is one positive primer ritual you can introduce into your day/week? Make it simple.
  • Alter or commit to a primer ritual (eg. morning music, daily walk, weekly flowers) 

Gratitude

Gratitude is a primer we have available at anytime in anyplace. Gratitude is an emotion that has powerful and transformative value. Whilst gratitude is not a new concept, recent studies have illuminated that gratitude can be cultivated with huge benefits. Gratitude increases levels of well-being, happiness, increased energy levels, optimism, empathy and overall resilience. 

Make gratitude a fundamental feature of everyday and you will feel better about yourself. If you teach your child/ren to do the same, then you’ll be a better dad.
For more in depth strategies on this and other topics, check out the membership page.

References

Martin E.P. Seligman (1991)
Learned Optimism, 
New York: Knopf
Charles Duhigg (2012)
The Power of Habit,
New York: Random House
Robert A. Emmons (2013)
Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity, 
San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Useful Links

Gratitude tips
Inspirational Books
Inspirational Movies
Upworthy