Leaving education, parenthood, empty nesting, redundancy, divorce, menopause, bereavement… these experiences can all leave you pondering the big questions: Who am I now? What should I do next? What matters to me?

When our old story no longer fits us, or we are no longer willing to bend ourselves to fit it, it might feel disorientating rather than liberating at first. Uncertainty and unfamiliarity are uncomfortable!

Most of us don’t like big change like this, but they offer a catalyst for transformational growth if we are brave enough to step out of the bubble of who we thought we were. When things are unknown and the way ahead is unclear, we can use this jolt as an opportunity to pause and look within. It’s there that we can find the answers to help us with our next steps.

We Are Made of Stories

Narrative therapy can be a helpful starting point to sort through some of this confusion. It’s a simple concept that can have a deep impact: we make sense of our lives through stories. We look for meaning in what happens to us and around us. These stories shape how we see ourselves and what we believe we are capable of. They create the ‘instruction manual’ for how we respond to life’s adversities.

Growing up, certain narratives can become dominant until they feel like facts rather than interpretations. They aren’t even our own stories sometimes! They might come from a parent, an older sibling, a teacher, or perhaps are based on an event that didn’t go so well, which, over time, we add to with other examples of events that fit that storyline. This is how we create limiting stories and beliefs.

How Can Positive Psychology Help?

With positive psychology, we accept that difficult things happen and that we, and our lives, aren’t perfect. This recognition helps us to step back to allow a wider perspective. We focus on what is good and useful within us, to find meaning in what’s happened. And with this new understanding we can grow past, around and over these old stories. We have the chance to write new ones, consciously shaped and grounded in our true strengths, values, and hope.

Rediscovering Our Identity

During transitions, it is common for us to feel uncertain of who we are. Who are we if the roles that once defined us change or disappear? If we aren’t the parent, wife, employee or friend anymore.

This disruption to our identity gives us the opportunity to make new meaning for ourselves, and as adults, we’re in a much better position to build a truer identity, based on the things that are important to us.

Narrative therapy calls this an opportunity for re-authoring. Rather than asking ‘What’s wrong with me?’, the focus shifts to ‘What story have I been telling about myself, and does it still serve me?’

Remember, you are not the problem; the problem is the problem! When we accept this, it helps to externalise the situation, and we can stop blaming ourselves for everything. Drop the self-criticism and allow some space for change.

Change Needs Self-Compassion

To build our resilience and flexibility in our responses, we need a healthy dose of self-compassion. Not only to support ourselves but also to recognise that we aren’t always at the centre of events, to change our thinking from ‘this always happens to me’ to accept some things just happen. Wellbeing is strongly linked to how people interpret and respond to life events, not simply to the events themselves.

Take a New Path

With this self-knowledge, we can stop responding to life using old story lines and instead choose a new template.

Our stories can feel so true because they are so well-known to us. They are as familiar as an old shoe. In our old default mode, we might tell ourselves:

• ‘I don’t cope with things well’
• ‘I never could do anything with maths.’
• ‘I’m a terrible driver.’

These narratives often make themselves known in times of stress and, if we let them, can narrow down our future possibilities.

Re-authoring is not about forced positivity or rewriting the past with rose-tinted glasses. It’s about broadening the story to get the fuller picture. Noticing the skills and strengths that we often bleach out because they don’t fit with the limited vision we have of ourselves. But we are often much more capable than we give ourselves credit for.

Taking the wider view on who we are lends us greater clarity, motivation, and importantly, hope; hope that there is a way forward, a new path, something that matters for us to do that will give us satisfaction and purpose once more.

How to Begin Re-Authoring

Don’t wait until you feel you have everything worked out before you start turning that page on a new chapter. Start moving forward in small steps now. Reflect as you go so you can build your confidence. Prove to yourself that you are capable and leave space to course correct when needed.

Start by reflecting on:

• Your story so far: What labels or assumptions have you absorbed about yourself over the years?
• Seek out the exceptions: When have you acted in ways that contradict the limiting story, even if it was briefly?
• Values: What still feels important?
• Strengths: Which of your personal qualities helped you get through past difficulties?
• Build a picture of the future you want: A future where you are guided by your values rather than fear or habit.

Reflecting, journalling and conversations with trusted friends can all help build your insights and self-knowledge. Create a truer, more compassionate narrative of who you are.

Moving Forward with Intention

Rewriting your story doesn’t mean trying to be rigid or trying to control everything. It means choosing how you relate to change and how you describe yourself within that.

If you are at a crossroads and questioning who you are becoming, your next chapter does not need to be a bold step or perfectly executed. The most important thing is it needs to be yours.

Set aside time this week to reflect on one question: What kind of story do I want to be living a year from now, and what is one small step towards it?

Image courtesy of Pixabay

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Being authentic is about knowing who you are, what’s important to you and what you stand for. Then, choosing how you show up in the world. The important word here is ‘choice’.

As Walt Whitman pointed out, we contain multitudes. We are complex, and we can decide what to bring to the fore on particular occasions.

What Is Authenticity?

We get to know our authentic self by,

• discovering our values
• understanding what gives us meaning, and
• recognising who we are when we are being our best selves.

Authenticity helps us understand why we behave in certain ways and why we believe the things we do.  It isn’t ego. Ego is more about what we project, the façade, not the reality of who we are.

It can be difficult to distinguish the two, though. Sometimes what we call our authentic self is just another distortion. One we aren’t yet self-aware enough to recognise!

Keeping a clear and consistent sense of self is especially hard when we are young. We are still working things out. There might be conflicts between our authentic self and our culture, family, schools or workplaces. We may not be aware of this conflict only of the discomfort it causes us.

Authenticity Is Multi Layered

Who we are and how we fit in the world isn’t always clear-cut. We are many things to many people. How we behave adjusts as we shift between our many selves: a parent, a friend, a partner, a colleague, a son or daughter.

We show up in different roles, in different environments, adapting to the situation, tailoring ourselves to the context. It’s a bit of a skill.

When thinking about how much authenticity to bring to any given situation, consider this –

• Is it appropriate, e.g. if you work in a public-facing role
• Is it necessary – it can be enough to know your own stance, without sharing it.
• Is it safe?

It’s a balance that requires taking responsibility for who we are, and at times courage – to choose to be or not to be –  authentic.

Authenticity And Others

Being mindful of others doesn’t mean we have to ditch our authenticity. We can modify ourselves whilst remaining authentic when it’s a conscious decision. Think of it as bringing a particular facet of yourself to the fore. It doesn’t mean you are being ingenuous, only adapting to the context, pulling back the louder, quieter, shyer, playful, impulsive, gregarious, boisterous aspects of the self, as appropriate.

Recognising the difference between this and when we are changing ourselves to hide or blend in is key.

If the values of our workplace, friendship group or culture don’t align with us, we might find we are masking on a regular basis. There is an incongruence between who we are and who we are expected to be, and we need to be mindful of the cost of that to our confidence and sense of identity.

Authenticity And Wellbeing

Authenticity has been shown to relate positively to our well-being, psychological health, better relationships, lower rates of depression and increased confidence.

Knowing who we are gives us access to our inner guidance and provides us with a consistent sense of self. It helps us understand ourselves. We can decipher our true motives when we act in certain ways. It encourages us to behave in accordance with our core identity rather than following the herd. It helps us to recognise our feelings, trust our judgement, and identify our preferences. All great information.

Is It Still Healthy If We Are A Bit Different?

What if being yourself means you stand out more? That can feel really uncomfortable at times. We can face a conflict between wanting to belong and wanting to be ourselves. And both these things are important to wellbeing.

Research¹ suggests that finding your tribe is the answer – the places and people where you can be you! You don’t have to be fully authentic in every setting for your well-being, but being able to be authentic in some places is crucial, especially in our closest relationships.

How Can We Become More Authentic?

What if you’re not sure who your ‘real self’ is? A good starting point is to become more aware of your values. When you know these, it’s easier to spot when your choices, actions or behaviours are in conflict with your core self.

There is a quick exercise to help you uncover your key values. Get in touch if you’d like me to email you details. Otherwise, talk to a friend or mentor about the things that are important to you. You will find that people brighten and lighten when they talk about things that inspire them.

Think about what gives you meaning in life. If you hit a blank, then consider a person you admire. What did they do or achieve that inspired you?

Try journaling to develop self-awareness. Visualise a future you, living in alignment with your authentic self. Use prompts to flesh out this vision: where are you working, who with, how do you feel?

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Authentic happiness comes from living an authentic life. It isn’t always easy. It may call on us to confront some inner beliefs that perhaps were never our own. It might need us to change, and that can be uncomfortable. But it will be worth it! Once we get to know our authentic self, it is hard to stop it from pushing outwards and starting to shine.

References

1. Mengers, Abigail A., “The Benefits of Being Yourself: An Examination of Authenticity, Uniqueness, and Well-Being” (2014).Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects. 63. http://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/63

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When I talk to a client about their strengths and how behaving in ways that puts those strengths to use makes them feel, we often get a few lightbulb moments. They notice a ‘thread’ weaving through their lives. Things they’d put down to random impulses. Things that drive their interests. They may be able to trace that thread back to happy early experiences or activities with a family member or an inspiring teacher.

What are Strengths?

In essence, they are our positive characteristics, the behaviours we find natural and satisfying.

There are 24 of them in the VIA positive psychology scheme.

Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) 24 Character Strengths 

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Bravery, Creativity, Curiosity, Fairness, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Honesty, Hope, Humility, Humour, Judgement, Kindness, Leadership, Love, Love of Learning, Persistence, Perspective, Prudence, Self-Regulation, Social Intelligence, Spirituality, Teamwork and Zest.

The link to take the free test and uncover your strengths is in the references below.

We can practice any strength and improve those skills, but the ones that come to us more naturally are key to our wellbeing. This is because positive psychology isn’t about fixing what clients see as ‘broken’, instead the aim is to shift the focus to things they do well. It is a strength based approach; discovering your strengths and doing more activities that use them.

Strengths and Wellbeing

A key way of supporting your wellbeing is to make sure that you are using your strengths regularly, ideally every day. We often do this naturally when we are feeling good;

• Taking a gift to a poorly neighbour (Kindness)
• Being the instigator of adventures in your friendship group (Zest)
• Bouncing ideas off colleagues and supporting others in the team (Teamwork).

Signs you are using your strengths; they energise you, you forget time, you look forward to doing them, they make you feel happy even if they are challenging (in fact its great if they are a bit challenging). So they are great motivators and help with changing habits and developing new behaviours.

Which is all good for positive self-image, resilience, building your identity and sense of competence and confidence. They help you connect with yourself and the world around you because they are ways of being that are meaningful to you, that you value. In fact they will closely align with your values. They make you feel like you!

Sometimes, if we are going through a difficult time, we stop doing some of these things and that can deepen the spiral of negativity. When this happens we need to consciously start building back in the activities that give us the sense of self.

What does that look like in practice?

Some strengths might seem more relevant to your work and others more to your social life, but actually you can approach most activities using your key strengths. It’s who you are.

You can bring Kindness to insurance sales calls and Gratitude to your gym session. It’s the attitude rather than the activity that is important.

Humour is one of my key strengths and understanding what that meant to me, how I value being playful and connecting with people through laughter, was a game changer. It has encouraged me to find more ways to tickle that funny bone.

Humour is in the Virtue of Transcendence so it is important in helping me feel connected to other people. It takes me out of myself when I am lost in my head! I use Humour in so many of my interactions with people. It may not be ‘laugh out loud’ humour but my quirky way of seeing the world or the way I look to make difficult conversations easier and bring people together.

It gives me so much in return, the same value other people get from offering acts of Kindness or Gratitude. Everyone’s a winner. I make someone happier by making them smile, I make myself happier by using my top strength.

Using Strengths To Achieve Your Goals

An area of personal development I’ve been working on for about a year now is public speaking it’s something that I find very anxiety provoking but it is necessary for my work.

How can I use my strengths to support me? Well if you do a Venn Diagram of public speaking and Humour stand-up comedy will be in the intersection! Stand-up is essentially acting, everything is pretty much pre scripted, just like with a lecture or a talk. So I’ve used the motivation I get from practicing my strength of Humour to support my public speaking by doing stand-up. It has got me standing on stage and talking in front of 250 people. It has helped me to associate the adrenaline with excitement rather than fear!

How Are You Going To Use Your Strengths To Boost Motivation?

You might need to think outside the box a little.

Love the outdoors (Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence) and want to improve your Leadership skills? Try volunteering with an outward bound organisation. Want to make more friends but find it hard to start conversations? Tap into your Curiosity to come up with interesting questions.

Once you become more aware of how you play to your strengths you can build in more ways to practice.

Can you think of ways to put your strengths to work to achieve your goals? Not sure how? Get in touch to brainstorm some suggestions together.

References

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification (Vol. 1). Oxford University Press.

Discover your strengths – take the free test  https://www.viacharacter.org

Feature image curtesy of Pixabay

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It has been a while since I last posted about my Intentions and Preventions Model, developed to help me navigate the highs and lows of my future career and activities. The last few months have been intense finishing off my Ph.D. (finally I am on the other side, yay!). It has been a real challenge at times, and very exhausting, and so this stage of the model is very timely for. There were certainly lots of downs and what at times felt like disasters over the last 18 months, with delays and challenges that were out of my control.

How do we keep motivated when we are facing challenges and disappointments? Very rarely anything happens in a linear, straight-forward way. Usually we have to face all sorts of diversions and barriers in our intentions. So what can we do to prepare for these? Here I will share some ideas with you.

First a reminder of the model. I have previously covered Working with your Intentions, and also Meeting your Inner Vulnerability. However, if we can put in place supports to strengthen any impending problems through Preventative Actions, it can soften the impact and offer ways forward.

Preparing for the Downs and Disasters

However well you prepare, things will go awry. For me, it was when I was writing up my research and due to changes at the university where I was studying, I was indirectly affected. It slowed down my progress and I had to alter my action plan and accept that my plan would need to be amended. I also suffered health issues during this time which exacerbated the struggle. It was frustrating and also hard to work trying to navigate the challenges I faced. I had to acknowledge that I could not change what was happening, so I had to find a way of working with them and not to push against them.

This is where my preventative strategies came into play. I knew I had to look after myself and also to work out a way of being in the chaos but to still keep making some progress. Some days were easier than others, but I managed to keep going and I eventually made it to the end.

Having had so many challenges over the last couple of years I feel so much more  prepared to meet the challenges ahead of me as I shape and cultivate the next stage of my life and work.

Using the Preventative Actions

Firstly, there is no one type of activity that can help you manage any challenges. Context matters, as does your individual preferences. One approach to work out what is best for you is to use Sonja Lyubomirsky’s ‘Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic’ to identify the type of activity that you enjoy doing (https://www.edbatista.com/files/2010/09/Person_Activity_Fit_Diagnostic.pdf).

Of course, there are many more ways to build habits that help you keep perspective and manage your emotional responses that are not listed in the PAFD. A key one is to have already experienced struggles and overcome them. Savouring those moments and reminding yourself that you are strong enough to make it through can be very helpful. For me personally, the effort and challenges in the last few months of my Ph.D. has resulted in me feeling as though nothing can be as hard and exhausting as completing a Ph.D., and so my belief in myself to be able to cope with challenges has increased!

Here are a few more ideas that I found helpful, some of which have come out of my Ph.D. research, and some are actions I have used to help keep me from feeling overwhelmed.

Connections. It is not new to point out that social connections and having support around you is vitally important. I would extend this out though- especially if you do not have that many people you can turn to. My research found that other people only account for some of what is important for people to feel connected and well. Other connections include animals, nature, a favourite location, and a favourite hobby or activity. It is important that we find a few different ways to be absorbed and feel engaged to take us away from thinking about the stressor.

Solitude. A rarely noted activity when talking about wellbeing is to spend time alone. This may feel counter-intuitive but my research found that when chosen, and when felt as a positive respite from being socially active, finding time to be on your own space is really important for balance. You may be fully alone, or may be sitting on a beach, walking in a city, or sitting in café reading a book. The location is only important when it is a place you value and can find your version of solitude. The people in my studies who regularly valued some time alone seemed to cope well with the pressures of life. They also had good relationships, so we need both connection to people and connection to ourselves.

Focused Attention/Mindful Activity. It’s well established that mindful activities are good for you. Focusing the mind in something mundane takes you away from the catastrophe you are facing. I have noticed that I naturally levitate towards studying the small insects and detail within my garden. Looking at the tiny flowers and plants, watching the insects go about their business. I have now bought an insect book so I can learn about them. You might simply pay attention to process of making food, or doing the ironing. Whatever you do, pay close attention to the sensory information of the activity to draw your mind into the present and away from the worry.

Humour and Perspective. Seeing the light side of life can make a real difference to our mood and wellbeing. If you are naturally drawn to humour, comedy, having fun, then you are doing a lot of good for your psychological and physiological health. In the right context, when it feels authentic to you, find ways to lighten your day to balance any heaviness that you may feel. It tends to reduce the pressures and put the world into perspective. I might watch a comedy show, chat to a friend who I can laugh with easily, and play with my dog as ways that I like to lighten up my day and mood. There are many more, you just need to work out your approach (here is a link to more resources  https://positivepsychology.com/humor-psychology/).

Music and Dancing. Listening to your favourite music- and singing along if you can- is a great tension reducer. As is dancing, even if you do not feel like dancing, the action of dancing can feel liberating! And if you are sat at your desk all day, or have tension in your shoulders, dancing and movement is a very beneficial way of easing the tightness. It is good for your mood too.

These are examples of the things I have built into my week, regardless of what is going on, as when things are tough, when I feel down, and when there are disasters for me to deal with, these strategies are my go to strategies to cope. And because I do them regularly anyway, when the disaster does loom, I do not go straight into a strong negative reaction.

I often combine these too. I might do a dance around the garden as I am paying attention to the insects, or absorb myself in uplifting music whilst enjoying a moment of solitude. Whatever your combination, try and make a habit of them to help you manage your downs and disasters and prevent getting overwhelmed by challenges.

A few more resources

https://findingnature.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/the-nature-connection-handbook.pdf

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/sites/newsinhealth/files/2018/February/NIHNiHFeb2018.pdf

https://www.bucks.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/BNU1308%20Positive%20Connections%20and%20Solitude%20white%20paper%20%2801-06-23%29.pdf

https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/168123/1/WRAP-A-systematic-review-of-humour%E2%80%90based-strategies-for-addressing-public-health-priorities-Skouteris-22.pdf

https://onlinescientificresearch.com/articles/dance-movement-and-emotional-healing-a-review-of-the-psychological-benefits-of-dance-interventions.pdf

https://www.han.nl/nieuws/2021/10/minder-stress-door-muziektherapie/Martina-de-Witte-Music-Interventions-for-Stress-Reduction.pdf

https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-worksheets/

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Wrong! Positive psychology is much more than a ‘happyology’. It is about
focusing on the good in yourself, in the work you do and in the
community around you. It is the scientific study of what makes life
worth living, focusing on our strengths, values, and wellbeing.

The key study areas in positive psychology all support confidence:

– Self-Awareness – helps us notice our skills and the good in ourselves
and others,

– Strengths – helps us better understand ourselves and our best
qualities,

– Values – supports our understanding of what is important to us,

– Positive Emotions – focuses attention on the positive and helps
correct cognitive biases,

– Motivation – building a growth mindset through action and practice,

– Self-compassion – because you aren’t going to get it right first time!

Positive psychology will support you to build your confidence in so many
ways. It gives you an optimistic but realistic view on who you are, and
nurtures a trust in yourself and your abilities.

What is confidence and why is it important?

Confidence is key to our mental wellbeing, increasing our resilience,
supporting goal attainment and building better relationships. It isn’t
about being successful, happy or good. Those things come and go. It is
about trusting in your abilities.

When you ‘have your own back’, you are more willing to give something a
go because the risk isn’t as great should things not go exactly to plan.
We will be kind to ourselves, making us more willing to try again, and
so, gradually expanding our abilities. As EE Cummings tells us,

‘Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous
delight’.

Confidence as a Skill, Not a Trait

When you see confidence as a skill that can be learnt, rather than a
trait we either have or don’t have, it’s a game changer. Because
confidence is built from the inside. It isn’t in the money you earn or
the degrees you achieve, but in recognising the ability within yourself
to achieve those things! That way it can’t be taken from you.

Start to recognise and value your abilities

Confidence is a feeling of certainty or a belief that you can rely on
something, and when it comes to self-confidence – that thing you can
rely on? well it’s you! You trust your ability, your judgement. You
recognise you have the skills to either do what is needed, find out how
to do what is needed or find the right person to help you. You are
capable.

When you are confident you think, feel, talk and act differently as a
result.

It is a positive spiral, because when you are more willing to take
action, you are more likely to get positive experiences of success and
more likely to take the next step, and then the next!

Are some people more naturally confident?

Some people start out in life more confident, perhaps due to the
positive support from parents or teachers, or because they are more
naturally optimistic. As we get older we internalise these ‘supporters’
as an encouraging inner guide.

If you didn’t have supporting relationships in your formative years then
developing this inner guide may need more conscious effort but with
attention, encouragement and practice you can build that internal belief
in your own abilities. By challenging yourself you stack up the evidence
of your successes.

For me walking was the thing started out my confidence building journey.
It created a trust in myself that I could keep at something. I was
already good at persevering in work situations but when it came to my
own personal goals, especially my health goals, I would let myself down.
Fads would quickly come and go. Establishing a regular walking practice
was a first step in changing that and so much has grown from there, way
beyond my health.

That self-confidence has spread to running my own business, showing up
on social media, public speaking, standup comedy. Now, if something is
important to me, I’m prepared to give it a go!

How do you build confidence?

Practice – and then, practice some more. A single workshop on public
speaking won’t make you a proficient speaker, you have to keep building
on what you have learnt.

Review – we have a tendency to gloss over our achievements, jump
straight into the next thing without a pause to notice and congratulate
ourselves. Don’t play down your successes, especially not to yourself.
Own it! Keep a list of all the things you do, big or small, towards your
goals.

Be Aware – Notice what needs work. Be honest about your strengths and
your weaknesses, without judgement. Confidence grows when you know and
accept yourself. How can you improve in the areas you want to develop?

Pick the right goals – Make sure they are your goals, not someone
else’s! Having goals that mean something to you is the best motivation,
and have some fun ones too, things you want to achieve simply because
you enjoy them.

Mind your language – Watch out for negative self-talk and gently correct
yourself when you need to. If you find it hard to spot the negative talk
then try writing things down or saying them out loud. It will help you
notice your inner voice.

Remember ‘Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t,
you’re right.’

Take it one step at a time – Thinking too far down the line can leave
you overwhelmed. Want to run a marathon? Start working towards your
first 5K. Break down goals into to small steps and stack up your
progress, recognising your successes as you go. Keep checking back and
noticing how far you’ve come.

Self-Compassion – Remember progress is not linear, there will be hiccups
and setbacks. Keep going. Being compassionate with yourself as your
stretch your comfort zone is a gentler and more successful way to move
forward.

Pick your support team – surround yourself with supportive people, chose
some who are on the same path as you so you can encourage and give each
other useful feedback.

Use Your strengths – lean into your character strengths to motivate and
support you.

Believing in yourself is your greatest asset

Recognise the agency within yourself. Be prepared to take action. And
practice, because that is how confidence is built – through action and
practice.

You’ve got this!

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The vomiting started, we knew something was coming because nursery prewarned us of the cases of children who had experienced the ‘sickness bug’.  Their utter professionalism and dedication to the children in their care made me on high alert and definitely shaped the actions I took.  Then came the temperature and we just could not settle it.  My daughter is vibrant, full of life and loves dancing.  But she just did not have any of this in her.  Then I just could not keep fluids down her and she became lethargic.  Time for some help.

The Accident & Emergency part of the hospital processed us very quickly.  Within an hour my daughter was on a drip.  I remember the nurse coming to see me after the drip was completed and say ‘well done mummy, you were brave.  A lot of mothers break at that part’.  I completely empathise. It took all my might to hold back my own tears as my daughter screamed, one from the pain and two from the unknown.  As much as you want to be that reassuring parent, sometimes you just don’t know!  I did a hypnobirthing course to prepare me for birth, and I did not realise just how powerful these techniques would be not just in birth, but the transferable methods that grounded me in a sense of calmness, which my daughter so needed.  Her blood sugars had lowered to a dangerous level and the nurse said we would have had a completely different outcome if I had not come in when I did (one I cannot bear to comprehend). 

We were then transferred to ward for the night.  I gave those awful phone calls to grandparents, who passed the message onto our loved ones and we all just had to wait this one out.  My daughter was monitored every two hours and administered the medication she needed to stabilise her blood sugars.  It was exhausting, but as mummy you find the strength to keep going.  I remember sending my husband home with a very detailed list of what to put in our overnight bag.  I am the type of person, that packs for everything.  At this point we had no idea when we would be sent home and this was something in my control.

Thankfully the medication worked, and my daughter started to heal.  We were lucky to be sent home the next day.  My daughter was diagnosed with Ketotic Hypoglycaemia.  A condition which is the result of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and the presence of high levels of ketones in the blood.  It is common that children grow out of this by the time they are five years old.  We have a repeated prescription of glucose which I must have ready if she gets into this condition again.  My daughter has now gained a more relaxed mummy around eating chocolate as this is my daughter’s go to sugar.  Don’t get me wrong it is still within a balanced diet, but my daughter seems to know when she needs something to boost her.  We have been under the supervision of the hospital, and we finally got that all clear we don’t need to go anymore, and the GP will be our guide.  Unless another extreme case occurs, but so far, we have managed to live with it well. 

On reflection of this journey, it has reconnected me to the literature on Mental Toughness.  Zahariades (2020), defines Mental Toughness as ‘our durability in the face of adversity’.  He gives recognition to the fact that ‘raising children involves uncertainty and fear’ (Zahariades, 2020, p. 15), which navigating through this terrain of the unknown, sometimes uncomfortable and a profound sense of protection, being a parent absolutely encompasses the attributes of Mental Toughness.  

As Zahariades (2020), states: Raising healthy, confident, capable, self-sufficient children requires weathering times of stress, fear and guilt.  But it also embraces wholehearted love, laughter, joy and connection.  

Listen to the Deep Dive podcast that discusses this article

Read more about Kelly Seaward-Ding and her other articles HERE

The post Motherhood and Mental Toughness appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

When positive psychology first arrived on the scene its mission statement was to help the average person move beyond ‘getting by’ and support them to actually flourish. But 25 years later, if my work as a Positive Psychology Coach is anything to go by, more and more people are seeking out positive psychology as a solution to their ongoing low (and not so low) levels of mental distress.

Anxiety and stress are increasingly common conditions with 40 % of the population experiencing medium or high levels of anxiety.

Experiences of stress are even higher, with 74% of people feeling so stressed they were overwhelmed or unable to cope. And that figure is greater in younger people.

It seems the ‘average person’ needs support with managing these conditions.

Positive psychology can, and should be, taking up this challenge. It provides people with evidence-based strategies that support them to regain balance and rebuild their resilience.

What is Stress?

We all experience stress to some degree and how we manage that can make a big difference to our overall wellbeing.

Occasional stress is natural and useful as a motivator. But what happens if stress continues for too long? Or when our mind and body don’t ‘get the message’ that the stressful event has passed?

When a stressor pushes us into fight or flight mode the body diverts blood from less urgent functions in order to pump more around the body. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released. We jump into survival mode and activities like digestion, sleep and planning take a back seat.

That can be really useful for getting things done but we run into problems when we get stuck in action mode and forget to come back down.

Is It Stress or Anxiety?

Stress is the body's response to external pressures, things like work deadlines or running late for a meeting. Anxiety is more of an internal state of apprehension or fear, sometimes without any clear cause or trigger.​

They are closely linked; being stressed for a long time can cause anxiety and being anxious can cause stress.

Both are normal human reactions but we can get stuck in those states for too long and then they can start to interfere with our ability to manage our lives.

The Body Keeps The Score

There is a toll on our mental, physical and emotional health which can lead to…

• Increased irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Lower productivity
• Pain in the body such as headaches, tight jaw, upset stomach, muscle tension
• Disrupted sleep
• Changed appetite
• Worsen existing health problems  
• Weakened immune system
• Decreased sociability
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Increased use of substances (legal and illegal) as a coping mechanism.

When stress and anxiety become chronic, they start to reduce our ability to function effectively and can contribute to serious health issues like heart disease and depression.

How Can Positive Psychology Help?

Positive psychology can support us to manage life more effectively. It builds resilience, by focusing our attention on our strengths, and boosts wellbeing.​

It helps us cultivate practical skills to manage stress and gives us a greater sense of control over how we deal with life events. When you feel you have the resources to cope with whatever life throws your way, you don’t have to be in ‘ready’ mode waiting for the next thing to come at you. You remember to set down the defences and relax.

Find what works for you to reset and rebalance. It might be a run, walking, dancing, meditation, grounding yourself, taking a shower.

Do the activity consciously. Say to yourself ‘I am now letting go of that event, it has passed.’ Feel your stomach drop and relax, your breathing slow and deepen. Your body acknowledges the shift in pace. It gets the message it is okay to rest now.

Quick, regular actions are the key. A few minutes each day is more useful and achievable than trying to find big chunks of time in your week.

Here’s some suggestions to try.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental way. Simple but not easy! Try techniques like meditation or focusing on your breath. These help bring you back into the now. Develop the habit of stopping to notice how you are feeling at points through your day. Watch what thoughts that come up, how does that feel in your body?

Focus On Positive Emotions

Spend time doing the things that bring you joy and satisfaction. Take time to reflect on things you're thankful for and have achieved. Give yourself permission to do that. This broadens our perspective and that is a critical resource in managing life’s bumps in the road.

Honour Your Boundaries

When you have a lot on your plate, avoid the people and news that stress you wherever you can. Practice self-care around your boundaries so you give yourself the time and space to wind down.

Maintain Good Social Connections

Supportive relationships are a source of emotional support and give us a sense of belonging. These are crucial for our mental wellbeing. Prioritise time with friends and family so you don’t feel you are just squeezing them in around a hectic schedule.

Get Active

Doing some kind of physical activity that you enjoy is fantastic for burning off that stress response. Otherwise that energy can fuel stress and anxiety symptoms. Exercise releases mood lifting endorphins too, so what’s not to love!

Don’t Compare Yourself 

We all react differently to situations. Something that causes one person stress won’t bother someone else, so don’t waste your time comparing yourself.

Ask For Help

Talk with a friend of professional if you need support. Telling people what’s going on in your head is like releasing a pressure valve. Don’t keep it in! If you don’t want to do that with friends, family or your workplace manager then find somewhere else - a support group, a therapist or coach.

Develop a Regular Routine

Build in a regular routine around the basics; your sleep, healthy meals, drinking enough water, moving your body and connecting with others.

And Remember…

Stress and anxiety are normal and natural responses, in our minds and our bodies, to events happening in and around us.

Many of the things that cause us stress are external to us but managing stress is something that is something we can get better at.

Think consciously about decompressing; shifting your state from stressed to calm. Recognise when it is time to down tools and return to your rest and digest mode.

If you need help to discover the ways to do that then talk to someone who can support you. If you are finding that hard then get in touch. A Positive Psychology Coach can help you do just that!

References

1. Anxiety: statistics | Mental Health Foundation
2. Stress: statistics | Mental Health Foundation

Image By Pixabay

The following is a Deep Dive podcast that discusses the issues raised in this article

The post Positive Psychology For Managing Stress and Anxiety appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

Knowing Your Values, Who You Are, And What You Want

In my last blog I introduced the model Intentions and Preventions. I discussed how I had developed it to assist me in navigating my way into a new career in research. In this blog I want to go into more detail on the Intentions part of the model, which underpins all of the other parts. Here I will share some of the ways I developed my own intentions and the different tools and processes that are available for this part of the model.

In my own PhD research, in which I have been exploring the alone experience, I found that imagination and inner awareness are very important for people to enjoy their alone space. Having that connection with yourself and your values is part of this stage in the process. You need to know who you are and what matters to you so that you can define your intentions with a strong sense of purpose.

The Model

Here is a reminder of the model that I am working with. I developed it from time studying positive psychology and other related areas of research, and also working with coachees on their objectives. The green area is the Intentions, which remains visible and acts as a compass or navigation when working with the other three areas.

Knowing Your Values

So much of the time we automatically do things without asking ourselves why. This autopilot behaviour can lead to burnout and doing things that we do not value. It can take a serious illness to wake up from autopilot. If we know what matters to us intrinsically, we can align it as much as possible to extrinsic behaviour. We may still need to do some things that we would rather not do, but we can also offset it with doing things that do matter. Ryan and Deci’s (2000) Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a great way to think about our motivations and how they link to what we care about.

For example, I know I want to do research that aids removing the societal inequalities. I currently undertake volunteer research with a charity that promotes positive migration narratives and I am looking to get involved in research on anti-racism. These are my particular passions and I know that if I use the social equalities lens to navigate my way my inner passion and intrinsic motivation will remain strong. However, what I do not value intrinsically is administration and paperwork! To find funding opportunities or apply for projects I need to scour the internet and complete forms, which is frustrating. So this is something I have to do for extrinsic factors, and I will use my intrinsic values to motivate me; by doing the things I don’t much like, it can lead to me doing things that do matter.

This is different to strengths, although there is a link, in that strengths highlight what you are good at, and these can also be helpful to know. But to me, using SDT is even more helpful to really get to know what drives you.

There are a number of different worksheets that can be used for exploring your values. Here are a few good ones to start with: https://positivepsychology.com/values-worksheets/

Knowing Who You Are

Once you are clear on you values it is much easier to reflect on who you are. This is self-awareness or self-knowledge. Miller and Verhaeghen (2022) propose that the act of being self-aware - by undertaking mindfulness activities - can lead to increased compassion. Your values define what matters to you so you can build a picture of who you are now and whether that person is who you want to be. You might notice that some of your behaviour is not aligned with who you want to be, and so you can ask yourself why you are doing it. A good way to get under the covers of who you are is to keep a reflexive journal for a few weeks. Notice when you feel positive and energised, and when you feel anxious and drained. Explore what is happening in these contexts.

For me, I feel really energised when I have conversations with other people about the things that matter to us, and when I can do things that contribute to and help other people in their objectives. Coaching other people, or working on shared research objectives are two things I love to do. Conversely, doing my own thing is not longer enough for me. By noticing what I like doing I am able to know who I am. Again, I’m going to use the resources from positivepsychology.com to share with you some tools for increasing self-awareness and journaling: https://positivepsychology.com/building-self-awareness-activities/

You might also want to look at authenticity assessments to check that your values and who you are have been fully explored: https://positivepsychology.com/authenticity-assessments/

Additionally, a really helpful tool to consolidate the activity so far is the Best Possible Future Self exercise. Here are some resources that explain this process:

Best Possible Self

Best Possible future Selves Exercise

The Best Possible Self Exercise

Knowing What You Want

The final part of Intention building is to get your creative hat on and have some fun! It isn’t about whether you can draw or not, it’s about opening up to exploring what you want outside of your own head and thinking space. Getting stuck in your head is never helpful. Hughes (2011) work into leadership suggests that art-based learning can be effective in bringing together inner and outer congruence and raise awareness of authentic parts of ourselves. This supports positive social action.

It doesn’t have to be drawing but sound, or movement. But do something different to sitting at a computer, or sitting thinking. By now you are much clearer on what matters to you and who you are as a person. You should also be getting some understanding of what activities energise you and de-energise you. From this point you can use the new awareness to illustrate the future you want. Here is a really nice blog that explains the value in drawing out what you want: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/want-to-change-your-life-draw-the-you-you-want-to-be/

Here is a section of my own visual representation of my future. I am a trained artist but I decided to find illustrations online to build up a board of what I wanted. I did this to share with you that you do not need to know how to draw to work with images. You will see that I have also used words and also stuck on a butterfly I had in my craft box. It is not yet finished. The final board representing the illustration of my future will have diverse creative content. I will add colour, my own drawings, different materials, and I may even find a way to include sound. By pushing myself to express my intentions through non verbal means I am moving my thinking beyond the loop and bringing it to life.

So go ahead, get creative- write a poem, a song, paint a picture, do a dance, find images that represent for you what you want in the future. Don’t hold back!

Once you have a creative piece to feel energised with, translate it into a plan or a list of actions you want to get done by a certain date. If you are like me and hate creating detailed plans, write the things you want to achieve on sticky notes and add them to your creative piece. Sing a song listing what you want to achieve and by when- I might do that one myself!!

References

Hughes, S. (2011). Behind the mask: using Arts-Based Learning to uncover, explore and improve action. Citizenship Social and Economics Education, 10(2–3), 227–238. https://doi.org/10.2304/csee.2011.10.2.227

Miller, J. T., & Verhaeghen, P. (2022). Mind full of kindness: self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence as vehicles for compassion. BMC Psychology, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00888-4

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.55.1.68

The following podcast is a discussion based on this article. It focuses on particular aspects of it.

The post Working With Intentions appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

The Observer Effect: More Than Just Physics

Quantum mechanics introduced us to the startling reality that observation itself influences the behavior of subatomic particles. The famous double-slit experiment demonstrated that electrons behave differently when observed versus unobserved—a phenomenon that has puzzled physicists for decades. This “observer effect” suggests that consciousness itself may play a role in shaping physical reality, at least at the quantum level.

Positive psychology, meanwhile, emphasizes how our focus and attention shape our experience. When we direct our attention toward positive aspects of life—gratitude, strengths, opportunities—our subjective experience transforms. The parallel is striking: in both domains, the act of conscious attention appears to have transformative power.

Dr. Ellen Langer’s groundbreaking work on mindfulness demonstrates how heightened awareness can improve physical health outcomes, cognitive performance, and longevity. These findings suggest that, like the observer in quantum experiments, our conscious attention may influence physical processes in ways traditional science struggles to explain.

Quantum Entanglement and Human Connection

Another quantum phenomenon with psychological parallels is entanglement—where particles become connected such that the state of one instantly influences the other, regardless of distance. Einstein famously called this “spooky action at a distance.”

In human psychology, we see something remarkably similar in how we connect with others. Research by social psychologist James Coan shows that holding the hand of a loved one literally reduces pain perception and calms neural activity during stress. The concept of “limbic resonance,” where two people’s nervous systems synchronize during empathetic connection, mirrors quantum entanglement’s mysterious connectedness.

Barbara Fredrickson’s “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions suggests that positive states create an upward spiral effect, expanding our awareness and building resources that benefit others in our social network. Like entangled particles, positive emotional states appear to “infect” those around us, creating systems of influence that transcend simple cause-and-effect relationships.

Superposition and Psychological Flexibility

In quantum physics, particles exist in a state of superposition—simultaneously occupying multiple states until measured. This counterintuitive reality challenges our classical understanding of defined states and binary outcomes.

Psychological flexibility—a cornerstone of positive psychology approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy—embraces a similar paradigm. The most resilient individuals maintain a kind of psychological superposition, holding multiple perspectives simultaneously and adapting their responses based on context rather than rigid rules.

Research by Todd Kashdan suggests that psychological flexibility strongly predicts wellbeing and life satisfaction. Those who can hold contradictory emotions simultaneously (such as grief and gratitude) and shift perspectives based on situational demands demonstrate greater resilience to life’s challenges.

The Quantum Zeno Effect and the Power of Attention

The quantum Zeno effect describes how a particle’s decay can be inhibited by measuring it frequently enough—essentially “freezing” its state through observation. This strange phenomenon suggests that consistent attention can stabilize quantum states.

In psychology, we see a parallel in how consistent attention to positive states can “stabilize” them in our experience. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research on “flow” states demonstrates how focused attention creates a self-reinforcing cycle of engagement and satisfaction. Similarly, mindfulness practices train us to sustain attention on present-moment experience, effectively “freezing” our awareness in a state of acceptance and curiosity.

Rick Hanson’s work on “taking in the good” leverages this principle, showing how intentionally focusing on positive experiences for extended periods literally rewires neural pathways, creating lasting changes in brain structure and emotional tendencies.

Uncertainty Principles in Science and Selfhood

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that we cannot simultaneously know a particle’s position and momentum with perfect precision—the more precisely we measure one, the more uncertain the other becomes.

Similarly, in psychology, we find that rigid self-concepts often limit our growth and adaptability. Those with fixed mindsets (as described by Carol Dweck) struggle when faced with challenges that contradict their self-image. Conversely, those embracing an uncertain, evolving sense of self—what Buddhism calls “anatta” or “no-self”—often demonstrate greater psychological flexibility and resilience.

Recent research in developmental psychology suggests that embracing uncertainty about oneself and one’s future may actually enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. When we hold our identities lightly, we remain open to possibilities that rigid self-concepts might exclude.

Practical Applications: Quantum-Inspired Positivity

How might these parallels inform practical approaches to wellbeing? Several emerging practices bridge these domains:

1. Quantum Mindfulness: Practices that cultivate awareness of the observer effect in daily life, noticing how attention itself shapes experience.

2. Entanglement Meditation: Techniques focusing on interconnection and how emotional states ripple through social networks, cultivating compassion and social responsibility.

3. Superposition Thinking: Cognitive flexibility exercises that train the ability to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously, enhancing creative problem-solving and emotional resilience.

4. Uncertainty Training: Practices that build comfort with ambiguity and the unknown, reducing anxiety about the future and enhancing adaptation to change.

Conclusion: A Convergent Future

While we must be careful not to overstate the connections between quantum physics and psychology, the parallels offer fascinating avenues for future research and intervention development. As quantum computing advances our understanding of consciousness and as positive psychology refines its measurement of subjective experience, we may discover that these fields are more deeply connected than we currently realize.

The most exciting possibility is that positive psychology practices may someday be understood not merely as subjective interventions but as processes that influence physical reality through quantum mechanisms we are only beginning to understand. As physicist John Wheeler proposed with his “participatory universe” concept, consciousness itself may be fundamental to reality—not an emergent property but a primary force shaping our world.

In this convergent future, the ancient wisdom that our thoughts create our reality may find unexpected support in the most advanced physics of our time. The boundary between mind and matter, between observer and observed, continues to blur—revealing a universe more interconnected and responsive to consciousness than we ever imagined.

The post Quantum Positivity: Where Mind Meets Matter appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

Positive psychology, a field dedicated to understanding and fostering human flourishing, has gained significant traction in recent decades. It focuses on strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to well-being, happiness, and a meaningful life. However, one of the most profound philosophical debates—whether humans possess free will—casts a shadow over the foundations of positive psychology. If free will is an illusion, as some neuroscientists and philosophers argue, what does this mean for concepts like personal growth, responsibility, and the pursuit of happiness? This blog explores how the absence of free will challenges and reshapes the principles of positive psychology.

Understanding Free Will and Its Implications

Free will is the belief that individuals have the capacity to make choices independent of external forces or deterministic processes. It is deeply embedded in our understanding of morality, responsibility, and personal agency. However, many scientists and philosophers argue that free will is an illusion. Neuroscientific studies, such as those by Benjamin Libet, suggest that decisions are made in the brain before we become consciously aware of them. Determinists argue that our choices are the result of genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and prior experiences, leaving little room for true autonomy.

If free will does not exist, it raises critical questions for positive psychology. How can individuals take responsibility for their happiness if their actions are predetermined? Can concepts like resilience, gratitude, and self-determination hold meaning in a deterministic framework? To answer these questions, we must examine the core tenets of positive psychology through the lens of determinism.

The Role of Agency in Positive Psychology

At the heart of positive psychology lies the concept of agency—the belief that individuals have the power to shape their lives and influence their well-being. Practices like setting goals, cultivating optimism, and developing a growth mindset rely on the assumption that people can make conscious choices to improve their circumstances. If free will is an illusion, this sense of agency becomes problematic.

In a deterministic world, individuals are not truly “choosing” to adopt a positive mindset or work toward their goals; they are simply following a predetermined path shaped by their biology and environment. This challenges the motivational aspect of positive psychology. Why strive for self-improvement if our actions are preordained? Without free will, the idea of “taking control” of one’s happiness may feel hollow, potentially undermining the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions.

Responsibility and Accountability

Positive psychology often emphasises personal responsibility for well-being. Practices like gratitude journaling, mindfulness, and acts of kindness are framed as choices individuals can make to enhance their happiness. However, if free will does not exist, the notion of responsibility becomes murky. Can we hold people accountable for failing to engage in these practices if their behavior is determined by factors beyond their control?

This lack of accountability could have far-reaching implications. For example, if someone struggles with depression or fails to achieve their goals, a deterministic perspective might suggest that they are not at fault. While this could foster compassion and reduce stigma, it might also lead to a sense of helplessness. If individuals believe they have no control over their actions, they may feel less motivated to engage in positive psychology practices, potentially hindering their well-being.

The Paradox of Deterministic Optimism

Interestingly, some proponents of determinism argue that accepting the absence of free will can lead to greater compassion and understanding. If we recognise that people’s actions are shaped by factors beyond their control, we may be less likely to judge or blame them. This perspective aligns with positive psychology’s emphasis on empathy and social connection.

Moreover, determinism does not necessarily negate the pursuit of happiness. Even if our actions are predetermined, we can still experience joy, meaning, and fulfillment. For example, engaging in activities that promote well-being—such as practicing gratitude or fostering relationships—can still lead to positive outcomes, regardless of whether these actions are freely chosen. This perspective, sometimes called “deterministic optimism,” suggests that we can embrace positive psychology practices without relying on the concept of free will.

Rethinking Growth and Resilience

Positive psychology often highlights the potential for growth and resilience in the face of adversity. Concepts like post-traumatic growth and the idea that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” rely on the belief that individuals can overcome challenges through effort and determination. However, if free will is an illusion, the process of growth may be seen as an automatic response to external circumstances rather than a conscious choice.

This deterministic view does not necessarily diminish the value of growth and resilience. Even if these processes are not freely chosen, they can still lead to meaningful outcomes. For example, someone who develops resilience after a difficult experience may still find purpose and fulfillment, regardless of whether their growth was predetermined. However, the narrative of personal triumph—central to many positive psychology interventions—may need to be reframed to align with a deterministic worldview.

The Role of Meaning and Purpose

One of the pillars of positive psychology is the pursuit of meaning and purpose. People are encouraged to identify their values, set meaningful goals, and contribute to something greater than themselves. These practices are often framed as choices that individuals can make to enhance their well-being.

In a deterministic framework, meaning and purpose may still hold value, but they must be understood differently. Rather than being the result of conscious choices, they may be seen as emergent properties of our biology and environment. For example, someone might find purpose in helping others because their upbringing and experiences predisposed them to value altruism. While this perspective challenges the traditional narrative of self-determination, it does not diminish the importance of meaning and purpose in promoting well-being.

Practical Implications for Positive Psychology

If free will is an illusion, positive psychology must adapt to this reality. Here are some ways the field could address the challenges posed by determinism:

1. Reframing Agency: Instead of emphasising free will, positive psychology could focus on the concept of “perceived agency.” Even if our choices are predetermined, the belief that we have control over our lives can still motivate positive behavior and enhance well-being.

2. Promoting Compassion: A deterministic perspective can foster empathy and reduce judgment. Positive psychology interventions could emphasise understanding and acceptance, helping individuals cultivate compassion for themselves and others.

3. Focusing on Outcomes: Rather than framing practices like gratitude or mindfulness as choices, positive psychology could highlight their benefits. For example, individuals might be encouraged to engage in these practices because they lead to positive outcomes, regardless of whether they are freely chosen.

4. Embracing Deterministic Optimism: Positive psychology could adopt a deterministic perspective that emphasises the potential for joy and fulfilment, even in the absence of free will. This approach could help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, regardless of their beliefs about autonomy.

Conclusion

The question of free will challenges many of the foundational assumptions of positive psychology. If our actions are predetermined, concepts like agency, responsibility, and growth must be reexamined. However, this does not mean that positive psychology loses its relevance. By embracing a deterministic perspective, the field can adapt to these challenges and continue to promote well-being, meaning, and fulfillment.

Ultimately, the absence of free will does not negate the value of positive psychology. Whether our actions are freely chosen or predetermined, the pursuit of happiness and flourishing remains a universal human endeavor. By reframing its principles to align with a deterministic worldview, positive psychology can continue to inspire individuals to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

The post Positive Psychology and the Absence of Freewill appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.