Most of us recognize the power of positive thought. Studies have shown positive thinkers are happier, more successful people who are better equipped to bring out the best in others. But the reality is, not everyone is a “glass half-full” kind of person. Can those prone to negative thinking reshape their viewpoint? Can even small steps allow us to create a more affirmative attitude? Asher Dale certainly thinks so. The Newton teenager has created an app entitled: “Three Good Things—A Happiness Journal.” The app reminds the user to write down three good things that happen each day. Dale believes the simple act of focusing on three positives–no matter how small–can increase one’s happiness.
Eighteen-year-old Asher Dale is from Newton and a recent graduate of Waltham’s Gann Academy. In 2012, Gann Academy began a program entitled “Chanoach LaNa’ar.” Its purpose was to “encourage students to develop the habits of heart and mind necessary to build meaningful Jewish identities.” This program includes workshops and daily practice that emphasize character development. While at Gann, Dale belonged to a Chanoach LaNa’ar group and read many self-improvement books including “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. Although many people consider success the key to happiness, Achor says positive thinking leads to happiness first and possible success thereafter. Achor’s book inspired Dale to concentrate on what made him happy and gave his life meaning. Dale was also influenced by the Mussar ideology that originated in the tenth century and became an actual spiritual movement in Lithuania during the 1800’s. Mussar emphasizes contemplative practices and exercises in self-improvement as a means to follow Jewish laws and commandments.
To help others focus on the positive aspects of their daily lives, Dale came up with “Three Good Things—A Happiness Journal,” a free IOS app. He spent six months and countless hours on this project. He then worked for weeks trying to determine how best to market the app. He contacted hundreds of app review sites, researched Facebook pages and interviewed psychology professors. It was a long process, but Dale was helped by the tremendous encouragement he received from his family, fellow students and teachers at Gann Academy.
Not only does Dale’s app remind the user to write down three positive things a day, but these thoughts can also be shared on Twitter and Facebook. The app also includes self-tracking tools and allows the user to record his thoughts and view previous highlights. Dale hopes the app will encourage people to think positively, meditate and read. He believes the app will appeal to anyone interested in “self-improvement, mindfulness and gratitude.”
Dale’s idea has taken off. The app has been downloaded nearly 7000 times, and multiple psychology professors have endorsed it. The app was also featured in the “New Apps we Love” section in the App stores of more than five different countries. It has received over eighty-five-star ratings. Countless users have emailed Dale to praise his ingenuity and express how the app has improved their outlook on life.
Does Dale believe the app has touched so many people because our world appears more complicated and frightening? The answer is a resounding no. He feels too many people view life through a pessimistic lens no matter what is going on around them; hopefully this app will remind people to concentrate on the positive.
Asher Dale is an unusual young man who has combined his computer science skills with a vision for self-improvement. He plans to develop his entrepreneurial abilities by spending nine months in the Big Idea Gap Program in Israel where he will intern at technology start-ups. In 2018, he will be a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in computer science. His dream is to work at a start-up or, better yet, begin his own business. With his “can-do” attitude, terrific work ethic and positive outlook, Dale has a bright future.
Journaling is not a new concept, nor is the benefit of writing down the good instead of moaning and groaning about the bad. But in this fast-paced world, few people pick up a pen and paper. Our phones have become our lifelines. Asher Dale’s “Three Good Things—A Happiness Journal” reminds us to use our phones, take a breath and concentrate on small things that bring joy.
This article was published in The Jewish Advocate on August 11, 2017.
