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Sweet Emotions Project: The Impact of Mood on Task Performance
Amanda Ramstrom
College of Health Professions, St. Thomas University
MAN 700: Organizational Behavior
Dr. Luz Rios
January 25, 2026
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Sweet Emotions Project: The Impact of Mood on Task Performance
Emotions and moods play a significant role in how individuals perform daily tasks, make
decisions, and regulate behavior in both professional and personal settings. This project
examines how mood states influence task performance and how small, intentional interventions
can alter emotions to improve effectiveness. Drawing from organizational behavior theory,
particularly research on emotions and self-regulation, I conducted three brief self-experiments
across different areas of my life.
Action 1: Completing Work Assignments (Professional Domain)
The first action involved completing a routine work-related task that I perform several
times each week, including drafting reports and responding to professional emails. During the
first observation, I began the task feeling mentally fatigued and mildly stressed due to competing
deadlines. My mood was neutral to negative, which resulted in slower progress, decreased focus,
and the need to reread information multiple times. While the task was completed, the overall
quality felt rushed and less organized than usual.
During the second performance, I intentionally applied a mood intervention before
beginning the task. I took a short walk, listened to upbeat instrumental music, and had a cup of
coffee to increase alertness. This intervention shifted my mood to a more energized and positive
state. As a result, I experienced improved concentration, faster task completion, and greater
confidence in the quality of my work.
Action 2: Studying Course Material (Individual/Academic Domain)
The second action involved studying assigned course readings and preparing notes.
During the first session, I attempted to study late in the evening while feeling tired and
Sweet Emotions Project: The Impact of Mood on Task Performance
Amanda Ramstrom
College of Health Professions, St. Thomas University
MAN 700: Organizational Behavior
Dr. Luz Rios
January 25, 2026
, 2
Sweet Emotions Project: The Impact of Mood on Task Performance
Emotions and moods play a significant role in how individuals perform daily tasks, make
decisions, and regulate behavior in both professional and personal settings. This project
examines how mood states influence task performance and how small, intentional interventions
can alter emotions to improve effectiveness. Drawing from organizational behavior theory,
particularly research on emotions and self-regulation, I conducted three brief self-experiments
across different areas of my life.
Action 1: Completing Work Assignments (Professional Domain)
The first action involved completing a routine work-related task that I perform several
times each week, including drafting reports and responding to professional emails. During the
first observation, I began the task feeling mentally fatigued and mildly stressed due to competing
deadlines. My mood was neutral to negative, which resulted in slower progress, decreased focus,
and the need to reread information multiple times. While the task was completed, the overall
quality felt rushed and less organized than usual.
During the second performance, I intentionally applied a mood intervention before
beginning the task. I took a short walk, listened to upbeat instrumental music, and had a cup of
coffee to increase alertness. This intervention shifted my mood to a more energized and positive
state. As a result, I experienced improved concentration, faster task completion, and greater
confidence in the quality of my work.
Action 2: Studying Course Material (Individual/Academic Domain)
The second action involved studying assigned course readings and preparing notes.
During the first session, I attempted to study late in the evening while feeling tired and
