My big "double-aha" moment came while anchoring the national news at CBS News. It was at the height of the recession, and on top of the usual negative stories, my newscasts became full of especially heart wrenching stories of people losing their homes, jobs, and retirement savings. Starting the morning off like that could leave even the most optimistic person feeling helpless and hopeless. The lightning bolt came when we changed how we talked about the negative.

I've learned to stop being so serious!

People will often say "You can't change other people." My research shows this societal belief is not only dis-empowering, it is scientifically false.

I realized there was a better way to broadcast the news that empowered people to believe they could overcome challenges.

If you want a particular behavior from someone else, try spotlighting those times when he or she is already doing it.

Focusing on solutions fuels progress.

Starting our day off with a dose of negativity can have lasting effects.