If You're Happy and You Know It...

Positive Psychology: Can happiness make the world go round?

I first learned about “Positive Psychology” at a conference workshop. My ears instantly perked up at the mention of this new branch of Psychology. I had always marveled at the power of optimism, and to find out that there is research focusing on the science of happiness was quite intriguing!

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Positive Psychology was founded by Dr. Martin Seligman, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center. His theory is based on the “empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions.” In 2005, Seligman’s work was featured in Time Magazine and more recently, the July/August edition of the American Psychological Association’s American Psychologist.

So what does this have to do with career planning? Everything! In my team development workshops, I often begin by asking people to write their first and last name on a piece of paper. Simple enough for most of us, right? Then, I ask them to do the same thing using the opposite hand. This of course evokes a few giggles and commentaries from the group. Afterwards, I ask one of the participants, “You know, John, you write really well with your right hand, but your left hand needs some work. Why don’t you just spend the next few months focusing on improving your left-handedness”? John responds with a puzzled look: “That seems like a lot of energy, when I already know that writing with my right hand is more natural.” My response: Exactly!”



How often do we spend time focusing on our “weaknesses,” when we would be more productive (and probably a lot more satisfied) focusing on our strengths? Organizations like Gallup Inc. apply this very concept in their business to increase customer engagement and maximize employee productivity. Their conclusion? It works!

Now this is not to say that we wouldn’t benefit from expanding our skill set or that we shouldn’t challenge ourselves. What it says, though, is that when we are contributing our natural talents, everyone benefits.

Check out Seligman’s web site called Authentic Happiness. You can read more about Positive Psychology and access its FREE resources. I recently took the “VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire” and was quite pleased with the accuracy of my results. What these inventories provide, above all, is insight into ourselves and language we can use to describe our strengths, whether it’s for a resume/cover letter or during an interview. They can also help in understanding and enhancing our communication with others, both in our personal and professional lives.

As Albert Schweitzer so wisely said, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”