Seeing things from a positive perspective, being tough enough to resist the collective depressive state, and finding the strength to get up and try hard the things you do best and have that deeper meaning that lifts your soul – that’s what really matters.
10. “…Invites
Member States to
pursue the
elaboration of
additional measures
that better capture
the importance of the
pursuit of happiness
and wellbeing in
development with a
view to guiding their
public policies..”
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12. Can You?
• Get Specific
What does success look like?
• Focus on What You Will Do
Not What You Won't Do
• Have Grit
Long vs. short term
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13. And More…
• Focus on Getting Better, Not Good
Goals are opportunities to improve, rather than to prove yourself
• Be a Realistic Optimist
Visualize how to overcome obstacles
• Build your Willpower Muscle
Get more by using it
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14. Social Contagion
Who do you spend
time with?
Who are the
people that
support you when
in need?
Who do you have
fun with?
Who helps you
thrive?
14Fowler & Christakis 2008 Harvard Study 12,000 individuals “happiness connection”
15. Unorthodox Rx
Positive Emotion (the pleasant life/well being)
Engagement (did time stop for you)
Relationships (and how we share life with other people)
Meaning (believing and serving something bigger than
yourself
Accomplishment/achievement (what you choose to do for its
own sake – without anyone forcing you to do it).
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Martin Seligman: Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being
18. Do, Do, Do!
Find small goals when big ones are elusive
Ditch “unworkable goals” - quit and be smart
Don’t be afraid to ask people who can help
Have Plans A & B set out ahead of time
See the humor in difficulty
Be Grateful
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