Pride is a misunderstood positive emotion. Many link pride to arrogance or an undeserved, overinflated view of yourself.
But there is nothing wrong with feeling a sense of pride at accomplishing something difficult or when your actions or words produce a positive effect in others. I felt a sense of pride this morning when I received emails from two readers about The H-Factor. One said,
    
       "Just finished your book and I am very impressed! You made some
        wonderful points (many of which apply to just everyday living/happiness, 
        not just in a work scenario). I especially enjoyed you including personal experiences& 
        comments which enhanced & underlined your theory....very
        effective.   Oh, and keeping it short & to the point was also very smart"

And the other said,


"Congrats on writing such an excellent book.  Looking back over all my years as a Department
store mid-executive I assure you that many of those I worked under and with
needed to read and practice what you outline in your book and it should be a
must read for all new young execs starting out"

I love hearing from my readers and feel proud when I find they have enjoyed my writing.

Doug

It was great to see this article on The H-Factor in the Foxboro Reporter today!  I used to live in Foxboro, MA for many years and have lots of wonderful memories and great friends still!  In fact, I am practicing what I preach and am savoring some great Foxboro times!

http://www.foxbororeporter.com/articles/2011/08/04/business/9826269.txt#rate

Yours in Happiness, 

Doug Mason

Typically when we are experiencing negative emotions, our focus narrows and we dwell on the cause of the negative emotion. This is perfectly natural. When experiencing anger, for instance, we tend to focus on the subject of our anger. If you've ever tried to solve a problem right after an angry confrontation , you probably had a lot of difficulty concentrating on anything except the confrontation. The same can be said when you are feeling sad or fearful or anxious. Negative emotions can help us protect ourselves from trespass, danger, loss, etc. but they are counter productive when trying to solve complex problems or being creative. Research shows that experiencing positive emotions, however, will tend to "open us up" and allow us to see more possibilties. If you need to be creative or solve a complex problem,  find ways to experience  joy, awe, inspiration, gratitude, love, interest, amusement, serenity, or any other positive emotion. Of course you may still not be able to solve that problem, but at least you will be giving yourself the best shot at it.   

I am very excited that The H-Factor, A Business Guide to Positive Psychology is the subject of an interview at shoestringventure.com. I would love to receive any feedback you can give me by email at [email protected]

I am thrilled to report that The H-Factor, A Business Guide to Positive Psychology, How Happiness Will Improve Your Bottom Line and Help Your Organization Thrive is finally ready for sale. Two years ago on a family golf vacation, my sister-in-law, Lola Komisin Mason, Ed.D, Director of Organizational Development at Carnegie Mellon University introduced me to the science of happiness. I was immediately intrigued with the research and scientific basis for why some people are happier than others, why positive emotion is important and what actually makes people happier. Some of the findings were counter intuitive to me at first. One day while reading some research linking productivity and levels of happiness, it became clear to me that every business leader, manager, supervisor, owner and employee could benefit from the happiness research.  After letting that idea roll around in my head for a few weeks and with some encouragement from my friend Susan Bixler, President and CEO of Bixler Consulting, I decided I needed to write The H-Factor.  My goal was to write a book that was concise, easy to read, and give readers some tools for increasing their own happiness levels.  Any comments are welcome and appreciated. 
Doug