Positive Psychology Overview

Positive psychology is a “scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to “normal” (Peterson, 2008)”. It is the foundation on which coaching as a profession rests.

The founder Martin Seligman realized too much of psychology’s power is used to treat and cure pathology rather than help people live rich and fulfilling lives. He decided to turn the tide and start a new subdomain. Largely thanks to him the concept of learned helplessness was discovered. Animals and people, if not given the chance to remedy their negative situation, will learn to “lie down and take it” even when such a chance arises.

This often leads to depression where one does not believe he can do anything to change his circumstance. If you’ve read my blog you obviously know that’s not true. So did Martin, who came up with the antidote to learned helplessness: learned optimism. I highly recommend watching the video and overall exploring more about positive psychology is general.

How You Can Use it

So how does this relate to you? Can you notice any areas in your life where you are taking on victim consciousness? Are there areas like money, health, relationships, career, where you think there’s nothing you can do to change your situation? Is there somewhere where you have been stuck for years and nothing seems to change?

I suggest you attack that area with optimism.

For example, you’ve been playing basketball for years, but you never seem to do well in games. This makes you think you’re not a good competitor and you mentally separate yourself from the “good players.” Overall, the topic of basketball makes you feel uncomfortable, because all you can think about is all those times you’ve failed.

You task is to seek out examples of when you did do well. Think of times you felt comfortable on the court. Even in the most disastrous career, there are specks of success. Now, think about your strengths. What is it that you do well?

Furthermore, think about what you would need to see yourself as a “good player?” How can you make yourself believe that you can win and that success is headed for you.

Be that basketball, marketing, dressing yourself well, or anything else you want to do, but think you’re not going to succeed at.

Bottom line

Start small. If you want to become a fashion designer, buy fashion magazines. Buy a fashion styled planner. Read all the blogs and articles there are to read. Take a course.

Now that you’ve exposed yourself to novelty and feel like you have a good grasp of the subject matter, start taking action. First small action. Start a fashion themed instagram account. Go to any and every fashion related event so you can meet people doing the same thing as you. Doing it together is much easier that doing it alone.

During this whole time, find yourself a positivity posse that will support you no matter what. No matter how awesome you are, you’re going to have days where you doubt yourself and the process. In that time you need someone you can trust to bring you up.

Think good thoughts:

“Anyone who’s achieved anything started where I am today.”

“I will expose myself to the people’s opinions. It will sting a little, but at the end of the day I will have a business/ project/ art that will be my legacy.”

“As long as I take tiny, consistent steps, my dream will materialize.”

“The way I want to do it is the right way.”

“I will listen to my inner guidance and have the courage to follow it.”