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There is a lot to say about this branch of psychology, but there are two particularly interesting tactics that affect our happiness positively:

Using Our Strengths

Research indicates that one of the best ways to achieve sustained happiness and to “blossom” is by using our strengths rather than focusing on our weaknesses. Indeed, our self-esteem plays a huge role in our well-being and our perception of life, and focusing on our strengths is one sure way to like ourselves better, to be more positive and optimistic.

Finding Our Flow

Do you ever find yourself completely absorbed in what you are doing, so much so you lose track of time? This is described as a state of flow, and it only occurs when you are doing something voluntarily, enjoyable, motivating and somewhat challenging, with a clear goal and ending. There is plenty of evidence now that shows the correlation between being regularly in a state of flow and happiness.

In a TEDTalk by psychologist Martin Seligman, the founder of positive Psychology, he explains about happiness: “I believe there are (…) three different happy lives. The first happy life is the pleasant life. This is a life in which you have as much positive emotion as you possibly can, and the skills to amplify it. The second is a life of engagement: a life in your work, your parenting, your love, your leisure; time stops for you. And third, the meaningful life. “

Watch Seligman’s TEDTalk:

Can technology help?

Seligman concludes his talk saying that he believes that “with technology, entertainment and design, we can actually increase the amount of tonnage of human happiness on the planet. And if technology can, in the next decade or two, increase the pleasant life, the good life and the meaningful life, it will be good enough (…)”.

Then we hope to be in the right direction 🙂

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