Definition
We feel surprised when something unexpected breaks our expectations, jolting us into sudden attention.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Positive surprise helps us rapidly orient to unexpected opportunities. It sharpens attention to novel rewards, facilitates rapid learning and memory consolidation, and encourages approach behavior.
◈ How It Shows Up
“I didn't expect that!”Raised brows, widened eyesQuick inhale, “oh!”Startle jump, briefRapid orienting look
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Share the moment with others
- Let yourself enjoy the moment
- Capture the moment (photo, note)
- Pause and take it in before reacting
- Remember this for future low days
- Say “thank you” as appropriate
- Keep normal routines
Bad Ideas
- Downplay or rush past the moment
- Act recklessly since you're on a roll
- Dismiss it as “too good to last”
- Overshadow others’ moments
- Disrupt all your daily routines
- Expect this to “fix” everything
- Overreact with big decisions