The Power of Positive Psychology

Starting with the big picture, let’s be honest, this last few years has been a little grim hasn’t it? Covid, failing, dishonest and completely uninspiring politics, corrupt news and horrendous wars that have resulted in the loss of countless lives and taken our economy and quality of life on a downward spiral.

Yet when we spend time with those we love (those we can be our true selves with and have a laugh), see people we care about grow or smile or move forward,  have fun, achieve things, and focus on the things we can control, you also see there is so much to be thankful for in life.

I think generally we have known for some time that bad news sells and that what we see and read on the news traditionally was tainted with agendas. It’s something I speak to my children about on a regular basis as they see world events and headlines.

I see watching or reading any current affairs in the news a little bit like sifting for gold (facts/ knowns/ my assessment of these) almost the mud of the agenda (how the story is presented) and propaganda for any political or funded leanings. People seem aware of this now and I feel it’s a driver of why newspapers and news viewing figures across the mainstream are at an all time low linked to ‘news’ becoming instant on our social platforms.

But I am not sure this prepared us at all for social media and today’s ‘attention economy’ where views, likes, subscribers etc become the driver of content. Attention is the gaol at any cost, not and often least prioritised is the truth or evidence. And with generative A.I for language, images, video and deep fakes of known experts, the truth, the positives and clarity are not coming anytime soon and I expect things to get worse before they get better (which they will as we figure out our best use of these new technologies I am sure).

That’s why this week I wanted to talk a little bit about positive psychology.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human flourishing.

Unlike traditional psychology, which often concentrates on mental illness and dysfunction, positive psychology emphasises what makes life worth living and how individuals can positively impact happiness, wellbeing, and a sense of meaning.

It’s about focus. Focus and a mindful effort to zone in on positive emotions, improving resilience, nurturing relationships, and developing a fulfilling life.

Why is Positive Psychology Important?

• Promotes Well-being: Positive psychology helps people increase their overall life satisfaction and emotional well-being by focusing on strengths and positive experiences.
• Resilience in Adversity: By teaching people how to identify and harness positive emotions, positive psychology builds resilience, making it easier to cope with stress, anxiety, and challenging circumstances.
• Enhances Relationships: It encourages practices like gratitude and kindness, which improve relationships by fostering empathy, connection, and mutual respect.
• Improves Mental Health: Focusing on positivity doesn’t ignore struggles; it offers strategies for improving mental health and combating issues like depression and anxiety.
• Better Performance: Whether in workplaces, schools, or personal goals, a positive mindset can lead to improved performance, motivation, and productivity.

Top Tips for Applying Positive Psychology in Daily Life

1.Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal or just time to mindfully think about the positives and good things in your life. This habit shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what you have.

2.Cultivate Optimism: Train your mind to focus on positive outcomes and solutions. While it’s essential to acknowledge challenges, focusing on  an optimistic outlook helps in overcoming adversity.

3.Strengthen Relationships: Make time for meaningful interactions with loved ones. Small acts of kindness, active listening, and expressing appreciation can strengthen connections.

4.Engage in Mindfulness: Regular mindfulness practices, like meditation, can help you stay present and reduce stress, improving overall emotional well-being.

5.Set Meaningful Goals: Working towards goals that align with your values and passions brings a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

6.Focus on Strengths: Identify your strengths and use them to tackle challenges. Building on your natural abilities fosters confidence and success.

Positive psychology shows us that by shifting our focus to the positive aspects of life, focusing on what we can control and valuing what we have leads to a much happier and fulfilling life.