Seligman: An epiphany
Seligman resolved to change. His purpose in life was not to correct his daughters shortcomings. Instead, raising her to nurture the strength she displayed (social intelligence). Can psychological science be about identifying and nurturing strengths?
Goals hierarchies
Questions to move up to the next level (chunking up):
What difference would that make?
Why would that make a difference? How would this make a difference? Would that make a difference for everyone or just your situation? If all these things were leading to something what would that be? How does this fit with the bigger picture? Why would that be important? What effect would this have? What are you actually trying to achieve here? What is it you really want? Whats the benefit in that? If this happened how would it feel?
Goals hierarchies
Questions to move up to the next level (chunking down):
What/How/When/Who specifically?
What are examples of this? What would be the first step towards that? How would you do that? What would have to happen? If you had how would you know? What would it look like if you? What is a good way of doing that? How could that need/goal be satisfied? What are some ways you could?
Be Happy?
What is the highest of all goals achievable by actions?...both the general run of man and people of superior refinement say it is happinessbut with regard to what happiness is, they differ.
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book 1, Chapter 4
Authentic Happiness
The 3 happy lives The pleasant life - positive emotion & the skills to amplify it
pleasure, enjoying life, hobbies, relationships, etc..
The meaningful life using your strengths in the service of something greater than yourself
contributing to something bigger
(Martin Seligman, 2003)
Three things that went well each day along with their causes
Gratitude Visit
Write about a time at your best, review once a day for a week
More Techniques
performing acts of kindness Plan pleasurable activities with savoring counting ones blessings- blessings journal using talents and/or signature strengths in novel ways 3 doors that closed and 3 doors that then opened find a challenging hobby
performing secret good deeds
Useful Resources
www.google.com www.positivepsychology.org www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu www.viacharacter.org/ Or check our website (but not yet): www.reconnect.salvos.org.au