2422- Positive Psychology and Authentic Happiness

Talking about things that matter with people who care...

The McCuistion Program is an issues-oriented television program that illuminates business, social, economic and public policy concerns and challenges. Each program focuses on a current/ timely topic of importance, in a talk show format with expert guests and develops the various concepts or issues of that particular topic , in objectively, fairly and evenly presented discussion. Viewers are invited to make their opinions known and to actively get involved in making a difference; whether by active participation in civic and charitable activities or letting their city, state and national elected officials know how they (the viewers) feel.

2422- Positive Psychology and Authentic Happiness

Joining host Dennis McCuistion to talk about what positive psychology is and how to achieve truly authentic happiness are Amy Blankson, Cofounder GoodThink and Author The Future of Happiness, Michael Cofield, PhD, APBB, Board Certified in Clinical Health Psychology, Author Peace of Mind, and James Olan Hutcheson, Founder ReGENERATION Partners, consultant to family owned businesses.

The traditional model of psychology Pathogenesis, studied illness, disease or dysfunction in other words what didn’t work and focused on relieving human suffering.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing. It encourages people to study the strengths and virtues that enable individuals to thrive and the factors that cause or support higher levels of well-being and health.

This model was started in part by Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology and, author of several best-selling books including of Authentic Happiness, Flourish and Learned Optimism among others.

Positive psychology is not about positive mental attitude. It is about attaining authentic happiness and keeping it over the long term. It is about flourishing and factors in that about 50% of your disposition is genetic, 10 % may come from success, looks, gender, and the 40% solution is about attitude and practices. Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential says, “Happiness is the joy one feels striving for one’s potential”.

So where do we start on the road to more authentic happiness and making happiness a habit? Our experts tell us, practice, starting with gratitude, every evening before bed, write down 3 things you are grateful for. Journaling, meditation, exercise, and conscious acts of kindness are a few of their suggestions.

Considering that the U.S. ranks 18^th on the United Nation’s World Happiness Report, down 3 points from just last years, and our happiness levels in several areas may in fact be falling, practicing to be happier may be a very good idea.

On the survey, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland occupy the top five places on the happiness scale, as they have in previous years (though in slightly different orders).

The report emphasizes how happiness isn’t necessarily linked to economic growth. The report shows how six main factors affect well-being and only one of those is strictly economic (GDP per capita).

In fact economist Jeffrey Sachs–one of the authors of the study –blamed social factors for the decline in happiness. The other five are life expectancy, social support, freedom to make choices, the generosity of people around you, and perceived corruption levels.

Join us to change your life and be happier.

This episode of McCuistion TV available on the C-Suite Network.