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.

1. 1
@ledaka + positivity
(vs.)

2. 2
Pollyannaish: person
characterized by
unrealistic optimism
and a tendency to
find good in
everything

3. And How
About The
Bad Stuff?
3

4. 4
Want
&
Happy

5. 5

6. 6

7. 7

8. The $ Dilemma
8

9. High GDP ≠ High Happiness!!
9

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
12

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
13

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).
15
Martin Seligman: Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being

16. Relationships: The New Currency
Fast Many Often

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“No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.”

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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Thank You!
leda@yhesitate.com