Ideas from The Happiness Advantage

Almost two years ago my decision to attend the first World Congress of Positive Psychology in Philadelphia turned out to be one of my learning highlights.  Since then I’ve kept my eye on Positive Psychology findings and research that focuses on positivity, optimism and of course resilience.

Then recently I watched a TedTalk by Shawn Anchor. Shawn Anchor, a Harvard University and Positive Psychology researcher is the author of the book, The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work.

He challenges the I’ll-be-happy-when myth.  He proposes that success, including being accepted into your dream university, being hired for your dream job, finding your dream partner or buying your dream electronic or four-wheeled toy, does not lead to your happiness.

He found that many Harvard students thought they’d be happy if and when they got into this prestigious university.  But most students’ pleasure soon waned as they put in place higher expectations for reaching success. They soon told themselves that they would be happy once they graduated with stellar grades. After graduating, the next happiness goal would be their dream job. 

Based on Positive Psychology, Anchor encourages developing a positive perspective or attitude for increased creativity, engagement, vitality, productivity . . . and eventually authentic happiness or what I call “basic life satisfaction.”

In the August 23 2011 issue of Psychology Today, Anchor’s article 5 Ways to Turn Happiness Into An Advantage, was published.  In it he wrote, “Every single relationship, business and educational outcome improves when the brain is positive first. If you cultivate happiness while in the midst of your struggles, work, at school, while unemployed or single, you increase your chances of attaining all the goals you are pursuing…including happiness.”

Tagged as: Emotional Intelligence, gratitude, happiness, personal development, Positive Psychology, resilience, work