{"id":31180,"date":"2021-03-30T20:29:38","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T03:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/how-positive-psychology-enables-us-to-live-more-fulfilling-lives\/"},"modified":"2022-03-25T09:20:10","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T16:20:10","slug":"how-positive-psychology-enables-us-to-live-more-fulfilling-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/how-positive-psychology-enables-us-to-live-more-fulfilling-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"How Positive Psychology Enables Us to Live More Fulfilling Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Don\u2019t worry, be happy\u2026<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

We all know the song. And we all like the idea but \u2026 it\u2019s easier said than done, right?<\/span><\/p>\n

In a world often marked by suffering, sickness, and sadness, the concept of \u2018being happy\u2019 can seem unachievable. Many of us are used to feeling dispirited \u2013 or rather, comfortably unhappy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We get stuck there, telling ourselves that this is just the way life is.<\/span><\/p>\n

Followers of Buddhism believe that happiness and sorrow are our own responsibility; that is, we control our own experience of both states. Everything comes from the mind. In other words \u2013 if we train our minds properly, happiness will follow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can it really be that simple? That by following some mental health training our lives can become more joyful and fulfilling, no matter what happens to us?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kendra Davies believes so. As CEO and founder of<\/span> Stellar Life Coaching<\/span><\/a>, she believes it really is that straightforward. It just takes the right tools \u2013 and the right coach. <\/span><\/p>\n

Davies holds a BA in Organizational Behavior from Rollins College and a Certificate of Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP). She is a positive psychology practitioner, life coach and accomplished speaker with more than 15 years\u2019 experience in training and development with organizations like Deloitte, Siemens and Lockheed Martin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Davies learned the hard way how to change her attitude to life and its challenges. In her early years she battled \u2013 and overcame \u2013 depression, drug abuse and despair. Today, she teaches other people how to live their best, most authentic lives \u2013 all through the principles of positive psychology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So What Is Positive Psychology?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Positive psychology isn\u2019t just \u2018happiology\u2019. It\u2019s a very real branch of human behavioral science with strong evidence of real benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Officially, it is the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions. In other words, it is the scientific study of what makes life worth living, and individuals and organizations flourish.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a movement that has grown substantially in recent years as more among us look for ways to lead more fulfilling, meaningful lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Positive psychologists established the PERMA Model, composed of five core pillars: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. Each of these pillars is critical in supporting a meaningful life and your overall well-being. From emotional intelligence and a growth mindset to mindfulness and flow, positive psychology has established ways to measure, test, and validate practices that support human flourishing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cResearchers are quick to point out that the aim of positive psychology is not to deny the stressful or negative aspects of life,\u201d says Davies. \u201cNor should it mean trying to see those negative events through rose-colored glasses. In fact, a significant part of positive psychology is about fully acknowledging the broad spectrum of human emotion and experiences. It\u2019s just that historically we, as a society, have had a significant preoccupation with stress and mental illness. So naturally, it makes sense to focus on what causes human suffering. However, I had a phenomenal teacher who used to say \u2013 knowing what causes depression does not tell us what causes joy. Knowing what causes divorce does not tell us what causes healthy and fulfilling love,\u201d she adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Difference Between \u2018Happy\u2019 and \u2018Not Depressed\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cMany mental health care systems have traditionally focused more on the treatment<\/span> of mental disorders,\u201d says Davies, \u201crather than on prevention.\u201d It\u2019s only recently that happiness has been recognized as more than just the absence of suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n

After all, there\u2019s a big difference between not being depressed and actually being happy. \u201cYou might not have a cold,\u201d says Davies, \u201cbut that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re 100% healthy. You might not be clinically depressed, but that doesn\u2019t mean you love your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Positive psychology offers action-orientated and evidence-based solutions that demonstrate things like optimism, hope, and resilience can be cultivated and grown over time. \u201cThe same way we workout our bodies to build muscle we can workout our minds and emotional intelligence to build the lives we want,\u201d Davies explains.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Life Coaching and Positive Psychology<\/span><\/h2>\n

Davies sees a lot of people who are dissatisfied with their lives or stuck in a dark place.<\/span> Having overcome her own challenges, she brings personal experience to her practice. Her work focuses on delivering comprehensive, personalized coaching tools that can transform the lives of her clients.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you were going to learn a new sport or a musical instrument, you would never question whether or not you would need the guidance and wisdom of someone else to provide some instruction on how you should go about learning. How is living your best life, and learning to be the best possible version of yourself, any different? The truth is if we knew how, or what actually prevented us from doing it,\u00a0 we would already be doing it,\u201d says Davies, who uses the principles of positive psychology to help clients create purpose-driven lives. \u201cIt begins with the building of positive foundations of wellbeing,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere is the thing: the term \u2018happy\u2019 is subjective. What you would call happiness, I might not. So, the first transformational question to ask yourself is: how do you define happiness? Next, because the research tells us that our external circumstances only account for 10% of our happiness (with 50% genetics), a whopping 40% of our happiness relies solely on the intentional actions we take. So ask yourself, are you living \u2013 feeling, thinking, and behaving \u2013 in a way that aligns with that definition? For most of us, the answer is no. Coaching is a powerful way to have the accountability and support you need to find the answers and begin the work of bridging the gap between where you are and where you want to be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The Simple Joy In Writing<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of Davies\u2019 methods for encouraging her clients\u2019 use of positive psychology is through journaling. It\u2019s also one of the simplest and most effective ways to start improving your own level of happiness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits of writing were tested in a 2004 study by psychologists<\/span> Burton and King<\/span><\/a> who wanted to examine how writing could affect mood and physical health. Participants were divided into two groups and asked to write for just 20 minutes a day on three consecutive days. The key was their subject matter: one group had to write about intensely positive experiences, while the other had to write about relatively neutral subjects \u2013 like, their shoes, or the state of their bedroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The results were impressive, though not surprising. Those who wrote about positive experiences felt a significant boost in mood. They also made fewer visits to the doctor over the following three months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Davies firmly believes that daily journaling is crucial for taking responsibility for one’s happiness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat study really drives home the idea that positive emotions beget more positive emotions. One way you could test out this theory to list out three positive emotions you want to feel more of in your life. Next, define each of those emotions, and identify actions you could take to create those emotional experiences for yourself over the next week.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor example, maybe you want to feel more peace, so you may list out ways to experience more peace such as doing yoga, meditating, or taking a hot bath. Really focus on simple actions you could take realistically in the immediate future. Finally, throughout the week, come back to your journal and document what you did (that intentional action you took) and the results \u2013 how did the practice affect you, how did it affect how you felt, and or how you interacted with others?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis exercise will not change the circumstances of your life, but you will notice that positivity will perpetuate more positivity. This is an effective practice for a few reasons: 1) You will begin to shift your focus on cultivating positive emotions rather than avoiding the negative. 2) You will begin to see how powerful you are at creating your own emotional experiences. And 3) You will recognize that no matter what your life looks like right now, you can effectively change your emotional state for the better,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Establishing lasting change, however, is more complex. Defining and actively pursuing the meaningful, purpose-driven, and fulfilling life you want\u00a0 \u2013 every day \u2013 often has to begin under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Someone who can help you through the groundwork and hold you accountable for your progress. This is where<\/span> Stellar Life Coaching<\/span><\/a> comes in. \u201cI genuinely want to help people live better lives,\u201d says Davies, \u201cand through my own experience and training, I know I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Don\u2019t worry, be happy\u2026 We all know the song. And we all like the idea but \u2026 it\u2019s easier said than done, right? In a world often marked by suffering, sickness, and sadness, the concept of \u2018being happy\u2019 can seem unachievable. Many of us are used to feeling dispirited \u2013 or rather, comfortably unhappy.\u00a0 We…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3417,"featured_media":31179,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[263],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",1711,1320,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",768,592,true],"large":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",1024,790,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",1536,1185,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",1711,1320,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",80,75,true],"goodlife-thumbnail":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",80,75,true],"goodlife-grid":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",320,270,true],"goodlife-latest":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",320,225,true],"goodlife-latestshort":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",320,170,true],"goodlife-vertical":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",320,420,true],"goodlife-gallery":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",320,150,true],"goodlife-galleryvertical":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",320,350,true],"goodlife-poststyle1":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",770,594,true],"goodlife-thumbnail-small":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",40,150,true],"goodlife-thumbnail-2x":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",160,150,true],"goodlife-thumbnail-mini":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",20,18,true],"goodlife-grid-small":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",160,540,true],"goodlife-grid-2x":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",640,540,true],"goodlife-grid-mini":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",20,16,true],"goodlife-latest-small":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",160,450,true],"goodlife-latest-2x":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",640,450,true],"goodlife-latest-mini":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",20,14,true],"goodlife-latestshort-small":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",160,340,true],"goodlife-latestshort-2x":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",640,340,true],"goodlife-latestshort-mini":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",20,10,true],"goodlife-vertical-small":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",160,840,true],"goodlife-vertical-2x":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",640,840,true],"goodlife-vertical-mini":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",20,26,true],"goodlife-gallery-small":["https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_beauty_tamaraknightphotog-91_h-bc4ed29e.jpg",160,300,true],"goodl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worry, be happy\u2026 We all know the song. And we all like the idea but \u2026 it\u2019s easier said than done, right? In a world often marked by suffering, sickness, and sadness, the concept of \u2018being happy\u2019 can seem unachievable. Many of us are used to feeling dispirited \u2013 or rather, comfortably unhappy.\u00a0 We…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31180"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3417"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31180\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futuresharks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}