The Daily Practice That Could Rewire Your Brain | Timm Chiusano | TED

Overview

Timm Chiusano shares how a moment of noticing a mundane manhole cover on one of the worst days of his career led to a profound realization: he was addicted to appreciation. He explores how practicing appreciation can transform daily life, foster joy, and rewire the brain to see the world differently.

Notable Quotes

- Appreciation is foundational. Gratitude is transactional. - Timm Chiusano, on the distinction between appreciation and gratitude.

- Could you ever look at somebody and say, 'I would have done better with your circumstances, with the entirety of your life up to this moment'? No, it's an impossible question to say yes to. - Timm Chiusano, on appreciating others.

- Appreciation will make you happier on a consistent basis. It will bring more wonder, you will be more present, you will take less for granted. - Timm Chiusano, on the transformative power of appreciation.

🌆 The Realization of Appreciation

- Timm recounts a terrible day in 2018, filled with corporate stress, contentious meetings, and looming layoffs.

- On his walk home, he noticed a manhole cover and marveled at its design and origin, sparking a shift in perspective.

- He realized he was addicted to appreciation, a mindset that allowed him to find joy even in mundane moments.

🧠 Appreciation vs. Gratitude

- Timm distinguishes appreciation from gratitude:

- Appreciation is noticing and valuing the good in the world without needing a transactional exchange.

- Gratitude involves receiving something and expressing thanks for it.

- Appreciation can be practiced consistently and applied universally, even to challenging situations or people.

📈 The Science and Practice of Appreciation

- A Rutgers professor’s research supports appreciation as a disposition, with gratitude being just one of its eight components.

- Timm emphasizes that appreciation is a skill that can be cultivated by noticing small details, like the utility of a light bulb or the complexity of another person’s life.

- Practicing appreciation leads to increased happiness, presence, and a deeper understanding of the world.

🌍 Applying Appreciation to Relationships and Daily Life

- Timm suggests appreciating others by considering their unique circumstances and challenges.

- Even difficult relationships can be improved by showing understanding and meeting people where they are.

- He shares examples of how appreciation can transform mundane objects, like light bulbs, into sources of wonder.

✨ The Impact of Appreciation

- Timm’s practice of appreciation led to unexpected success, including a large social media following and comments like, You make growing up less scary.

- He encourages viewers to embrace appreciation as a way to foster joy, connection, and collective change in the world.