What is this thing called Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is a great additional tool to coaching stemming from psychology (like coaching).

“Positive psychology is an area of psychology that focuses on well-being, happiness, flow, personal strengths, wisdom, creativity, imagination and characteristics of positive groups and institutions” - (Boniwell and Tunariu, 2019).

The term was used in the 50s by Abraham Maslow and also has connections to the humanistic school of psychology also stemming from the 50s. However, it was later popularised by Martin Seligman - the author of tens of books such as Learned helplessness and many others.

In his book Flourish, Seligman (2012) identified five components that people pursue in life because they are intrinsically motivating and contribute to wellbeing. He proposed that these five components are characteristics of a flourishing individual and are as follows (sometimes referred to as PERMA): 

Positive emotion 

Engagement 

Relationships 

Meaning 

Accomplishments 

These five components make up Seligman’s PERMA model of wellbeing and each has been shown to have positive associations with health, vitality, life satisfaction, job satisfaction and commitment.

How can this be helpful? I personally have used "areas of life" approach (Wealth, Health, Relationships, Knowledge & Skills, Adventure & Meaning & Mindfulness) and listed things i want to strive towards in those areas. I have used a yearly overall/bigger plan and then narrowed it down quarterly (for years even monthly). This can also be done sing the PERMA model or any other categories you choose. It is important to have a regular review (for example weekly) of these actions (or you might also give yourself scores in these areas). This can be great to see where you are and what you want to work towards.

I am working on putting together a specific course on this and i hope to launch it soon!