Martin Segliman, a positive psychology guru, has shifted his work from happiness to flourishing. He invites us to go for lasting well-being (for all) instead of temporary boosts of pleasure (for me). Flourishing is about growth, learning and service to life regardless of circumstance. The elements of his model include:
- Positive emotions (of which happiness and life satisfaction are all aspects): Feeling joy, exuberance, love, passion, etc.
- Engagement: Being in flow
- Relationships: Experiencing interconnectedness
- Meaning: Contributing to something greater than self
- Achievement: Accomplishing
Try out some of his exercises if the idea of thriving (instead of just surviving) calls you:
- Do a random act of kindness
- Write down what you accomplish each day and why it is meaningful
- Use your signature strengths* as a human being to tackle unpleasant tasks
- Apply 2.9:1 positive to negative comment ratio (at work) and 5:1 (at home)
*To learn more about signature strengths check out the book Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being
To learn more about flourishing check out this tube video