In our household, we have what is called the “More-So Rule.” This rule says that certain aspects of your character, especially if practiced, become more so. These practices become more evident under stress or as you age. For example, if you’ve always made breakfast following the same steps, you might become more focused on your making fried eggs the same way.

If you usually tend to speak directly, that email you send when you’re overly busy can be harsher than you intend. The rule can apply to a benign habit, like loading the dishwasher, or something negative, like bitterness and complaining. Our attitude, practices, or habits become something that is “more so.”

Hard-Wired for Happiness: The Science of Appreciation

When we respond to something, we create a path in our brain. Just like a path through the woods, the more we walk it, the more carved out it is. Areas to the side of the path become overgrown, while the path is worn smooth. Pretty soon it takes effort to deviate from the path; it’s much easier to have the same response that we’ve trained ourselves to take. The same is true of our brains. If we choose to respond to our circumstances with criticism, we are creating a critical path. If we choose to respond with appreciation, we are creating a path of appreciation.

Researchers have used MRIs to study the brain’s response to stimuli. They’ve discovered that thoughts of appreciation and gratitude light up certain sections of our brain.

Read more about how gratitude changes your thinking at our author’s site.