The Definition of Core Feelings...

The division of the human psyche into core emotional powers has been explored by many researchers. Notable contributions include Ekman (1999) on basic emotions, Kagan (2007) on temperament, and Pollak et al. (2019) on emotional development. However, a consensus on the precise categorization of core emotions has yet to be reached, as the interpretation of live emotions varies significantly (Celeghin et al., 2017; Barrett, 2006).

This website follows the subdivision into head, heart, and gut, concepts that have been previously explored (Brock, 2017; Walia, 2023). Additionally, the dimensions of positive, negative, and neutral emotions have been considered (Lindquist et al., 2016). Our research indicates that this combined approach provides a clear framework for identifying core feelings in individuals, and optimizing these feelings individually can effectively remove potential blockages.

Let's explore the short list of core feelings, which serve as the foundation for all other emotions:

Exploring the Framework of the Human Psyche...

2) Calculating:

Calculating: Calculating involves performing mathematical computations, data analysis, and logical problem-solving. The left brain plays a critical role in these tasks (Gazzaniga, 2000; Hartwigsen et al., 2021). Regular exercise can improve our ability to calculate, much like physical exercise strengthens muscles (Ratey, 2001). Emotional interference can also disrupt calculations (Davidson & Begley, 2012), but engaging in activities like puzzles and chess can help maintain clarity. Elevate is a useful tool for cognitive training. By refining our calculating skills, we become more efficient at problem-solving and decision-making, which are essential for success in various aspects of life.

Example: Solving complex mathematical equations or evaluating statistical data.
Further Reading: Kahneman, 2011

1) Sensing:

Sensing is an innate capability that allows us to detect and interpret raw inputs from our environment. This capability can inspire, shock, or create sensory overload, often without our conscious control. To harness its power effectively, it’s crucial to manage it consciously. Shepherd (2015) suggests using sensing intentionally to detect and be inspired (Bandura, 1997), and then switching it off to reduce sensory noise. Most sensory functions are managed by the right brain (Hartwigsen et al., 2021; McLeod, 2023). Mastering our sensory abilities involves learning to focus on relevant stimuli and filter out the irrelevant, thereby enhancing our perception and reaction capabilities.

Example: Feeling a sudden sense of danger without visible evidence.
Further Reading: Barrett, 2006

6) Achieving:

Achieving is about performing personal excellence and effectively juggling contradictory powers. It involves leveraging your skills and determination to excel in various activities. Whether it's excelling in a sport, mastering an instrument, or leading a project, performing requires a balance of focus, resilience, and adaptability. Shalley & Gilson (2004) discuss how creativity and motivation significantly contribute to performance, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation and a supportive environment.

Performing isn't just about succeeding; it's about pushing boundaries and constantly striving for improvement. It encompasses a wide range of activities and situations where one must rise to the occasion, often under pressure. The key to effective performance lies in the harmonious blend of various skills and the ability to maintain composure and clarity even in challenging circumstances.

Example: Excelling in a competitive sport through individual skill and determination. Another example might be delivering an outstanding presentation at work by effectively managing time, resources, and public speaking skills.
Further Reading: Brock, 2017

By mastering the art of performing, we enhance our ability to meet and exceed expectations, setting a standard of excellence that inspires others and drives personal and professional growth.

References:

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W H Freeman/Times Books/Henry Holt & Co. APA PsycNet
Barrett, L. F. (2006). Solving the Emotion Paradox: Categorization and the Experience of Emotion. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(1), 20-46. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327957pspr1001_2
Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.497
Brock, V. (2017). Head-Heart-Guts Approach to Coaching. Library of Professional Coaching
Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books. Goodreads
Celeghin, A., Diano, M., Bagnis, A., Viola, M., & Tamietto, M. (2017). Basic Emotions in Human Neuroscience: Neuroimaging and Beyond. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1432. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01432
Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Restoring the character ethic. Simon and Schuster. Google Books
Cuddy, A. J. C., Kohut, M., & Neffinger, J. (2013). Connect, Then Lead. Harvard Business Review, 91(7), 54-61. https://hbr.org/2013/07/connect-then-lead Harvard Business Review
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row. Open Library
Davidson, R. J., & Begley, S. (2012). The Emotional Life of Your Brain: How Its Unique Patterns Affect the Way You Think, Feel, and Live—and How You Can Change Them. Hudson Street Press. Chapter 4, p. 89. Penguin Random House
Ekman, P. (1999). "Basic Emotions" in Handbook of Cognition and Emotion, Chapter 3, p. 45-60. https://www.paulekman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Basic-Emotions.pdf
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology: The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218
Gazzaniga, M. S. (2000). Cerebral specialization and interhemispheric communication: Does the corpus callosum enable the human condition? Brain, 123(7), 1293-1326. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/123.7.1293
Greenhaus, J. H., & Beutell, N. J. (1985). Sources and conflict between work and family roles. The Academy of Management Review, 10(1), 76-88. https://doi.org/10.2307/258214 APA PsycNet
Hartwigsen, G., Bengio, Y., & Bzdok, D. (2021). How does hemispheric specialization contribute to human-defining cognition? Neuron, 109(13), 2075-2090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.04.024
Kagan, J. (2007). What is Emotion? History, Measures, and Meanings. Yale University Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-07886-000
Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263-291. https://doi.org/10.2307/1914185
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. APA PsycNet
Lindquist, K. A., Satpute, A. B., Wager, T. D., Weber, J., & Barrett, L. F. (2016). The Brain Basis of Positive and Negative Affect: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis of the Human Neuroimaging Literature. Cerebral Cortex, 26(5), 1910-1922. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhv001
McLeod, S. (2023). Left Brain vs. Right Brain: Hemisphere Function. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/left-brain-vs-right-brain.html
Mercurio, Z. A. (2015). Affective Commitment as a Core Essence of Organizational Commitment: An Integrative Literature Review. Human Resource Development Review, 14(4), 389-414. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484315603612 Sage Journals
Phua, H. (2013). "Emotional attachment and commitment to others has been shown to adapt beliefs, attitudes, and values of the group as our own." My Best Self 101. Retrieved from My Best Self 101.
Pink, S. (2009). Urban social movements and small places: Slow Cities as sites of activism. City, 13(4), 451–465. https://doi.org/10.1080/13604810903298557
Pollak, S. D., Camras, L. A., & Cole, P. M. (2019). Progress in Understanding the Emergence of Human Emotion. Developmental Psychology, 55(9), 1801-1811. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000789
Ratey, J. J. (2001). "A User's Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain". Pantheon Books. Chapter 5, p. 102.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68 APA PsycNet
Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Free Press. APA PsycNet
Shepherd J. (2015). Conscious Control over Action. Mind Lang. 2015 Jun;30(3):320-344. doi: 10.1111/mila.12082. PMID: 26113753; PMCID: PMC4471880. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471880/
Shalley, C. E., & Gilson, L. L. (2004). What leaders need to know: A review of social and contextual factors that can foster or hinder creativity. The Leadership Quarterly, 15(1), 33-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2003.12.004
Simplified Psychology Emotional Education. https://www.optimizeyourcapabilities.pro/
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4
Turkle, S. (1984). "The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit". Simon & Schuster. Chapter 2, p. 67.
Walia, B. (2023). Three Brains Theory: Why Head, Heart and Gut Matter in Decision-Making. Welldoing. Retrieved from https://welldoing.org/article/three-brains-theory-why-head-heart-gut-matter-in-decision-making
Wissing, M. P., Schutte, L., & Wilson Fadiji, A. (2019). "Cultures of Positivity: Interconnectedness as a Way of Being." In Handbook of Quality of Life in African Societies (pp. 3-22). SpringerLink.
Optimizeyourcapabilities.com. (2025). "The Core Emotion Framework (CEF): A Theoretical Synthesis Integrating Affective Neuroscience, Embodied Cognition, and Strategic Emotional Regulation for Optimized Functioning" [Zenodo]. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17477547
Optimizeyourcapabilities.com. (2025, November 14). "A Proposal for Open Validation of the Core Emotion Framework (CEF): A Structural-Constructivist Model for Emotional Regulation and Psychological Flourishing". https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/SG3KM

10) Accepting:

Accepting and surrender isn't weakness. Constantly needing control isolates us. True strength involves facing vulnerability and making space for others. Together, we can achieve everything (Brown, 2012; Cuddy et al., 2013).

Just relax and embrace the power of letting go.

Example: Trusting your team to handle a project without micromanaging every detail, thereby fostering collaboration and trust.
Further Reading: Brown, 2012

9) Boosting:

We all need a boost. The most effective way to get active isn't by seeking external encouragement, but by generating active power from within ourselves. If we rely solely on external motivation, our boost is limited to the power we receive. However, when we empower others, we retain most of the power within ourselves, creating a sustainable source of energy and motivation (Mercurio, 2015; Ryan & Deci, 2000; Pink, 2009; Phua, 2013; Wissing et al., 2019).

By connecting with others, facing challenges together, encouraging each other, and working hard, we create a dynamic environment where everyone thrives.

Example: A team working together to achieve a common goal, where each member supports and empowers the others, leading to collective success and personal growth.
Further Reading: Pink, 2009

8) Appreciating:

Appreciating involves recognizing the beauty in everyday moments and enjoying life. This skill is essential for maintaining mental health and overall well-being. Seligman (2002) and Csikszentmihalyi (1990) discuss how finding joy in the present and practicing mindfulness can lead to lasting happiness. Enjoying life isn't just about big achievements; it's also about savoring small victories and everyday pleasures.

Example: Finding joy in a hobby such as painting or gardening, or celebrating personal milestones and achievements with loved ones.
Further Reading: Frankl, 1946

7) Arranging:

Arranging focuses on the strategic organization and prioritization of tasks. This skill is crucial for balancing multiple responsibilities, setting boundaries, and establishing order to avoid chaos. Effective management involves identifying what needs to be done, allocating resources, and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently. Covey (1989) and Greenhaus & Beutell (1985) highlight the importance of differentiating and setting priorities to maintain productivity and personal well-being.

Arranging is about creating a structured approach to tasks, whether they are personal or professional. It involves breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps, setting realistic deadlines, and ensuring that all necessary resources are available. By strategically organizing our tasks, we can prevent chaos and increase our efficiency, leading to better outcomes and reduced stress.

Example: Organizing a complex event or project, ensuring all aspects are covered, and deadlines are met without sacrificing quality.
Further Reading: Goleman, 1995

By mastering the skill of arranging, we create a balanced and orderly environment that enhances productivity and fosters personal well-being.

5) Constricting:

Constricting is about precision and clarity. In a world filled with uncertainties, exactness becomes crucial. Without it, confusion ensues. Details matter significantly, as wishy-washy behavior can lead to ambiguity and misunderstanding. This core feeling emphasizes the importance of being meticulous and thorough in our approach to tasks. Kahneman & Tversky (1979) and Sweller (1988) highlight that clarity and precision are essential for effective decision-making and learning processes.

Mastering contracting involves developing a meticulous approach to every task. It ensures accuracy and reliability in outcomes, thereby establishing order and preventing misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings. By focusing on the details, we create a stable foundation for our actions and decisions, which ultimately leads to greater efficiency and success.

Example: Editing a document meticulously to ensure accuracy, checking for grammatical errors, consistency in style, and correctness of information.
Further Reading: Pollak et al., 2019

By honing our contracting skills, we can navigate complexities with confidence and maintain a high standard of excellence in all our endeavors.

4) Expanding:

Expanding is the first heartful emotion, embracing the positive power of a good heart—loving, giving, exaggerating, and inviting. This core feeling encourages inclusivity and generalization, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued. Fredrickson (2001) and Baumeister & Leary (1995) highlight the importance of social bonds and generosity in fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Expanding involves opening ourselves to new experiences, ideas, and relationships. It’s about embracing diversity and fostering connections that enrich our lives. When we expand our emotional horizons, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for others.

Example: Welcoming a new member into a group with enthusiasm and generosity, ensuring they feel included and appreciated.
Further Reading: Lindquist et al., 2016

By nurturing the emotion of expanding, we build a foundation for positive interactions and lasting relationships. This heartful approach helps us create a world where kindness and inclusivity are paramount.

3) Deciding:

Deciding is the anchor of clarity. It involves weighing pros and cons based on information sensed and analyzed, forming a common sense that bonds logic and emotion. Kahneman (2011) explains this interaction between our fast, intuitive system and slow, deliberate system. Emotional triggers can hinder decision-making by overwhelming cognitive processes (Davidson & Begley, 2012). The decision-making part of our brain, when recognized for its capability, is essential for clarity and should not be overwhelmed by emotional or logical processing (Shepherd, 2015). Effective decision-making involves understanding and balancing both rational analysis and emotional input.