Positive Psychology
Written by Dave Rothacker on November 3, 2020
Positive Psychology
“Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love work and play.”: – Penn State Positive Psychology Ctr.
Positive Psychology is different from the self-help genre in that it’s based in science. This field hooked me long ago as, “to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love work and play,” dovetails into my growth mindset.
For its first 100 years or so, psychology was designed to correct ill-being. The founding fathers of Positive Psychology looked in the opposite direction. They asked, “Can we build well-being?” My number one go-to Positive Psychology person is Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman.
Marty founded PERMA, the theory of well-being. PERMA is explained in this 8-minute video along with an overview of Positive Psychology and the workplace.
As you wade into the field of Positive Psychology, you can’t help but to encounter the topic of happiness. Personally, I am not in pursuit of happiness. I am perfectly happy being an ole curmudgeon. No, just kidding. I am in pursuit of growth and actualization, cultivating what is best within. When I do, I feel that happiness surfaces as a derivative.
The following two books are excellent resources to step into the waters of Positive Psychology.
Flourish by Martin E.P. Seligman
From the bestselling author of Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness comes “a relentlessly optimistic guidebook on finding and securing individual happiness” (Kirkus Reviews).
Big Potential by Shawn Achor
Bestselling author Shawn Achor shows how to unlock hidden sources of potential in ourselves and others.
Our Mindset
If you’re reading this then you want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. The Starship’s mindset is to cultivate our skills, talents and the best of what lies within. The pursuit of Positive Psychology will enhance experiences along the way and provide hope for those ahead.