Positive psychology – is one of the branches of knowledge of human psychology that appeared in the late 90s of the last century. The main goal of this section is to find the optimal conditions for a prosperous life and prosperity for both the individual and the community. Although this has been discussed before, Martin Seligman is still considered the founder of positive psychology. After reading this article, you will learn the main aspects that will help you feel happy as a person.
Positive psychology: what is it?
The very word "positive" in this phrase speaks volumes. This is a branch of psychology that tries to answer the age-old question: “How to become happy?” It is well known that happiness is a loose concept: one sees joy in love, another sees joy in money, and the third only needs a chocolate bar and an interesting novel to feel satisfied. The secret of happiness for everyone is exactly what positive psychology is designed to discover.
The new industry is completely built on the life-affirming reserve of man, this approachvery different from mainstream science. At an appointment with an ordinary psychologist, a person finds out what is the cause of his misfortunes. Positive psychology looks at the problem from a completely different perspective. The main task is to find, reveal the strengths of a person and teach him to use them to his advantage. If a person concentrates on developing the strengths of his nature, then he can easily overcome all his depressions and stresses.
Historical background
Earlier, the word "psychology" was associated with the treatment of people who had abnormal behavior, who suffered from various mental illnesses.
Already in the 50s of the last century, a theory began to develop among thinkers and philosophers that focuses on the positive aspects of human nature and, accordingly, on happiness. Particularly distinguished: E. Fromm, K. Rogers and A. Maslow.
1998 was a turning point in the history of psychology. M. Seligman became the president of the American Psychological Association. Positive psychology became his main topic for development and study. Subsequently, he organized and hosted an International Conference and World Congress dedicated to this topic.
What's the use?
This branch of psychology can completely change a person's worldview. A person who practices cheerful aspects of cognition begins to perceive the world in a different way. His worldview and beliefs change radically.
The teaching of this branch of science makes it clear that everything that happens is first born in thoughts, and thenis being implemented. Each person is personally responsible for their own happiness, so happy events can be easily engineered.
Such beliefs are easily accessible and understandable to any person, they are easy to test in practice, experimenting with your thoughts. This teaching is becoming more and more popular every day, because the motto: “positive in thoughts means positive in life” works.
Basics of the Doctrine
Psychotherapy, work-related issues, self-help, education, stress management includes positive psychology. Seligman has proven that applying the basics of positive thinking can motivate people to develop their best skills and personalities.
It is only important to understand that ignoring problems is not an option. The use of positive thinking greatly expands and complements the ways of solving problem situations.
Here are examples of some of the findings from positive psychology:
- Each person is responsible for whether he is happy or not.
- The best way to conquer your frustrations is to develop your strengths.
- Work is an important factor in well-being. An engaged person always feels meaningful and happy.
- Money doesn't make you happy, but shopping for other people can make you and them much happier.
- Developing optimism, altruism and the ability to give thanks will make you feel happy.
How to enjoy life
More positive! This is the motto of a person practicing this teaching. Always be in a good moodto believe in yourself and achieve your goals, special phrases help - affirmations.
Positive psychologists advise you to choose a few phrases for yourself that help you tune in to a positive outcome of your problem. These can be phrases such as: “I easily find a way out of any situation”, “I am great”, “All my problems are solvable”, “I am the best in this world”, “I am pleased with myself.”
The phrases that best suit your situation should be written down on a piece of paper. Then they need to be repeated aloud or to yourself until you internally believe that everything is really so.
If you start thinking positively, you will eventually witness wonderful changes in your life: you will have a good mood, you will learn to see beauty even in the smallest manifestations, and self-confidence will help you cope with any problem.
This is what positive psychology can do! Books on this topic will help you learn more about how to change your life for the better and become happy.
We recommend starting the study of this topic with the book by M. Seligman, which is called “The New Positive Psychology”. Believe in yourself and you will succeed!
