Positive Psychology in a Negative Environment with Nathan Cooper

In a word - excellent. I hope I do it justice here.

Positive Psychology is designed to pick up where Cognitive Therapy ends. The way it was explained is Cognitive Therapy is considered "successful" in the absence of symptoms. Positive Psychology builds on that to help people achieve positive emotion, engagement and meaning in their lives. If Cognitive Therapy can make you well, Positive Psychology can help you feel fulfilled.

It really comes down to mindset. Where the focus of Cognitive Therapy tends to be negative (talking about problems, negative experiences etc.) Positive Psychology focuses on what's positive. People who are optimistic enjoy better health, perform better at work, are less likely to experience depression, etc. Some people are naturally happy and optimistic, some people have to work at it. Nathan emphasized that the crux of Positive Psychology is that anyone can learn to be optimistic. Anyone can learn to be happy.

People who are pessimistic tend to have external explanations for success (good grade because the Leafs scored while my prof was marking exam) and internal explanations for failures (failed the exam because of stupidity rather than lack of preparation, etc). The way to move from pessimism to optimism is to challenge the way you think, then change it.

Two of the key concepts are gratitude and savoring. One recommended exercise is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day write down three blessings and what was behind them (ie. Lulu and I had a great run today because I put a lot of time into training her and it's starting to show). Savoring comes down to mindfulness, and allowing yourself to be fully in the present. If you slow down every day experiences (hot shower, cup of coffee, walking the dog) you will take more away from them which will increase happiness.

The definitive book on Positive Psychology is written by Martin Seligman, PhD and it's called Authentic Happiness: Using the new Positive Psychology to Realize your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. There is lots of empirical evidence showing that Positive Psychology is effective. It's definitely something I want to learn more about.