Want an instant pick me up? The simple phrase "tell me something good" can dramatically change your day.

What happens when someone tells you something great doing on in their life?

Unless you're the jealous type, it probably makes you feel good too. You get a little hit of dopamine just by hearing another person's excitement.

But why is that?

The answer is something scientists call emotional contagion. It's the idea that moods spread, for better or worse. Contagions typically aren't good. But, in this case, catching someone else's joy can actually lift your mood.

If you've ever been dragged down by a "Debbie Downer," you know how powerful negative energy can be. The flip side is true too: get around someone who's celebrating, grateful, or just genuinely happy, and you'll likely feel lighter yourself.

It's a concept called freudenfreude and you can read more about it at this article I reference in the episode.

That's the power of asking the simple phrase: "Tell me something good."