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Positive Meaning

Introduction to Happiness and Positive Psychology

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The How, Why, What, When, and
Who of Happiness
n  Simple cognitive and behavioral strategies that people can employ in
their lives. 40% of peoples’ happiness are under their control through the
activities they choose and how they construe and respond to situations in
their lives.

n  Twin studies – basic level of Happiness

n  Psychological resilience – charge your battery daily just as you charge

your mobile phone

n  Positive activity interventions (PAI): writing letter of gratitude, counting

one’s blessings, practicing optimism, AOC, affirming one’s most
important values, meditating on positive feelings towards self and others.

n  PAI stimulates well-being

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The How, Why, What, When, and
Who of Happiness
n  PAI LEADS TO positive feelings, actions, thoughts LEADS TO
increased wellbeing

n  How do we treat mental illness? Today, no current therapy has

focused directly on up-regulation of the reward system.

n  PAI can be the missing link to a well-integrated treatment program.

n  Still limited research and knowledge in this field

+ The How, Why, What, When, and
Who of Happiness
n  Personal Fit – cultivating happiness is about finding what works for you.
Scientists suggests, that happiness tools work differently for different people.

n  It takes time to adapt, so give it time once you start your happiness journey. It’s
like strengthening a muscle; in the beginning it is a struggle, later on you will get
easier OR your might want to focus on a different muscle group.

n  PAI and adaptation

n  Variety and burden

n  Step out of your comfort zone – do something you haven’t tried before

n  Always reaching your goals – well ask yourself if your goals are big enough;
variety in thoughts and behavior is rewarding and motivating and it changes your
brain and beliefs.
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The How, Why, What, When, and
Who of Happiness
n  Volunteering or choosing well-being rather than be told – are you motivated to
become happier?

n  Put effort

n  Be social! Stress buffering effect, direct effect on well-being

n  Culture, values, and well-being. Is personal happiness valued in the culture.

n  Age – the older the more you benefit from PAIs. They take PAIs more serious.

n  How long can happiness boosts last. Sustained practice – like building muscles in
a gym – charging the battery on your phone – resilience; capability to overcome
any hardship.

n  Focusing what we want to do over why we are doing it.

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What is meaning?
n  Seligman: People experience meaning when they develop their
signature strengths and use the strengths in the service of others.

n  In other words – cultivating a sense of purpose often involves a pro-

social or altruistic* intent, such as a commitment and passion for
helping others or improving the world.

*(disinterested and selfless concern for the wellbeing of others.

Willingness to do things that bring advantages to others, even if it
results in disadvantages for yourself)

n  Giving to others is related to physical and mental health.

n  Reflect on the life as it is lived today – what tendencies do you see?

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Discover your core values
n  Explore personal values – living accordingly - taking part in activities
that are consistent with personal values is an important source of
meaning and fulfillment in life.

n  Exercise:

1) List with values – add values that are missing according to you

2) Select 20-25 values that resonate strongly with you

3) Group values and select one word that represents each group

4) What would you start to do differently in order to live with more

meaning and purpose on a day to day basis?