The Studies and Research section explains some common views that either are or aren't more beneficial; i.e. the obscurity of money contributing to happiness; and the grand impact of gratitude.

This perspective towards mental and life activity empowers the individual to shift their focus to what will liberate them and keep life better than bearable; but enjoyable. One of the most intriguing pieces of information for me was the process toward happiness and otherwise meaningfulness; referring to how being present allows for happiness; and the past and futures perceived relevance allows for meaning.

loved this read!

So often people dwell on “what is wrong with me” or “today was an awful day,” rather than the alternative of “what is right with me” and “what were some good things about today?”

The most difficult hurdle of positive psychology, to me, would seem to be being self aware, living in the present, and unlearning learned helplessness. It is so easy for us to look at the negative parts of life and ourselves to a point where the positive seems like it doesn’t exist. It’s easy to look on the past and identify our mistakes, thus giving us more worry about the mistakes we will make in the future. We have to recognize that our mistakes and hardships don’t define us, but can influence who we are and who we become. Though we always have to power the change. Learning to be more optimistic in our lives can open more doors for us mentally and physically. Whereas a negative perspective and using learned helplessness can make it feel like doors are being slammed in our faces left and right. Happiness’s is a tough fight, but that does not mean it is unattainable.

If we applied positive psychology to education, business, and government as the video mentions, we could all feel more seen and heard as students, employees, and citizens in a community. As well as develop more understandings of each other and have more empathy. After all, I believe everyone wants to feel more fulfilled and that they have meaning.

As an example, someyhing I had considered for a long time was simply going to college aiming for a career that pay a lot of money despite how I feel about the work itself. In taking classes for these subjects, I realized my lack of interest made it miserable to study the content. I couldn't focus and eventually fell further and further away from it. That's why it was really interesting to me to learn about the "good work project". I resonate with this idea because it makes clear sense to me. In the illustration that talks about this project, you see these people who look like zombies walking along a path to riches, whilst the people on the other path are thriving within their choices. "Success" can be forced but is likely to make you miserable, whereas if you do something you love and are passionate about, that pulls you into that "flow" state, you are like to be happier on the journey and successful because you enjoy what you're doing! If you love what you do, you're destined to be good at it!

Anyway, I think that overall, positive psychology focuses on ways we can better our lives through things like mindfulness, learned optimism, etc. In turn this is bound to improve our well-being! I'm excited to learn more!