10 Minutes a Day for Happier Parents and Swimmers

Writing about why the positive events in your life happened may seem awkward at first, but please stick with it for one week. It will get easier.

I discovered a simple exercise that can help us—and our kids—with our mental well-being and happiness. Our kids work hard every day to improve technique, speed and endurance. Here’s an idea to help them work on a positive outlook. So much of swimming is between the ears, so why not share this positive psychology exercise with your children and try it yourself, too?

I learned about this simple practice called the “What-Went-Well Exercise” or “Three Blessings” in a book called Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. According to author Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D., “We think too much about what goes wrong and not enough about what goes right in our lives.