Why an optimistic brain simply performs better
Happiness is not a destination, but a daily exercise
Last Saturday morning was a special experience. At the invitation of a friend, I ended up at his church’s monthly men’s breakfast. After an excellent breakfast and a warm welcome, I listened to Ronald van der Molen. He started his career as a pastor and helped set up several new churches, but now he has set his sights on the business world. He encourages managers and teams to perform better by first taking a critical look at their own attitudes.
His entire approach is based on a positive attitude to life with the gospel as a solid foundation. The morning gave me plenty to think about.
From the pulpit to the boardroom
Where Ronald used to stand in the pulpit to preach the gospel and guide people with life questions, he now advises executives on complex business changes. The step from the church to leadership development seems big, but the common thread remains the same: he helps people discover the best version of themselves. He uses interactive exercises that not only let participants listen, but also let them feel how change works in practice.
His message is clear and scientifically substantiated. A positive mindset increases your productivity and resilience. He does not get bogged down in vague advice about positive thinking; he explains the neurological process. Positive emotions trigger the production of dopamine. This substance not only makes you feel good, it also stimulates your creativity. Negative thoughts do the opposite. They drain your energy and make you rigid. You can actually reprogram your brain through training, so that feeling good is not a fluke, but a permanent state of being.
The benefits of optimism
A positive attitude yields immediate results. You focus better and persevere with challenging tasks for longer. It creates space for fresh ideas, whereas a negative mood makes you tense up. What’s more, you recover more quickly from setbacks. That resilience makes you more flexible and resilient in difficult times. The best thing is that optimism is contagious. Teamwork improves almost automatically when you bring each other into that positive flow.
In his practice, Ronald sees that many people get stuck in three mental traps. The first is the belief that happiness only comes when you achieve that one goal: that new car, that promotion, or that bigger house. You keep postponing your happiness to some point in the future. In addition, we quickly get used to luxury. The euphoria of a new purchase often fades after a week. The final obstacle is a chronic lack of real recharging. Too little autonomy and a lack of meaningful moments of rest inevitably lead to a loss of energy.
Practical habits for every day
Fortunately, there are simple ways to break this cycle. Every day, write down three things you are grateful for, no matter how small they may seem. Research shows that this habit will structurally increase your level of happiness within a few weeks. Also, seek out real connection. Have coffee with a colleague or take a walk with a friend instead of sending a quick message.
In addition, take unstructured breaks. Put your phone away, stare out the window for a moment, or take a walk without a specific destination. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people see this as a weakness, but it is actually a sign of strength. It strengthens mutual trust and reduces the stress that arises when you try to solve everything on your own.
True happiness is not found at a “final destination”; it lies in the habits you form every day. Material things offer only temporary satisfaction. The essence of a good life revolves around paying attention to what really matters, both for yourself and for the people around you.
A wonderful challenge
Above all, you must never forget this. Let the Lord be your joy, I repeat, rejoice. That is how it is described in the NBV21. It is a call that is also beautifully expressed in the Revised Standard Version. Rejoice always in the Lord, I say it again, rejoice. Hopefully, these words will be an anchor for your life. For me, too, this is a daily task.
@wimvanputten