Positive psychology is one of the branches of cognition of human psychology that emerged in the late 90s of the last century. The main goal of this section is to find optimal conditions for a prosperous life and prosperity of both the individual and the community. Although this was discussed earlier, Martin Seligman is considered the founder of positive psychology . After reading this article, you will learn the main aspects that will help you feel like a happy person.
Positive psychology: what is it?
The very word "positive" in this phrase says a lot. This is a branch of psychology that is trying to answer the eternal question: “How to become happy?” It is well known that happiness is a loose concept: one sees joy in love, the other in money, and the third is enough chocolate and an interesting novel to feel satisfied. The secret of happiness for everyone is precisely designed to open a positive psychology.
The new industry is completely built on the life-affirming reserve of man, this approach is very different from official science. At an appointment with an ordinary psychologist, a person learns what the reason for his misfortunes lies. Positive psychology considers the problem from a completely different perspective. The main task is to find, reveal the
strengths of a person and teach him to use them to his advantage. If a person concentrates on developing the
strengths of his nature, then he can easily defeat all his depressions and stresses.
Historical reference
Previously, the word “psychology” was associated with the treatment of people who had deviations in behavior, who suffered from various mental illnesses.
Already in the 50s of the last century, a theory began to develop among thinkers and philosophers, focusing on the positive aspects of human nature and, accordingly, on happiness. Especially distinguished: E. Fromm, C. Rogers and A. Maslow.
1998 was a turning point in the history of psychology. President of the American Psychological Association became M. Seligman. Positive psychology has become his main theme for research and development. Subsequently, he organized and held the International Conference and World Congress on this topic.
What is the use?
This branch of psychology is able to completely change a person’s worldview. A person practicing the cheerful aspects of cognition begins to perceive the world in a different way. His worldview and beliefs are fundamentally changing.
Teaching this branch of science
makes it clear that everything that happens is first born in thoughts, and then realized. Each person is responsible for his own happiness personally, so happy events can be easily designed.
Such beliefs are easily accessible and understandable to any person; they are easy to test in practice, experimenting with your thoughts. This teaching is becoming more popular every day, because the motto: “positive in thoughts, then - positive in life” - works.
Learning Basics
Psychotherapy, labor issues, self-help, education, stress management include positive psychology. Seligman proved that applying the basics of positive thinking can motivate people to develop their best skills and character traits.
It is only important to understand that ignoring problems is not an option. The use of positive thinking greatly expands and complements the methods for solving problem situations.
Here are examples of some conclusions drawn from positive psychology:
- Each person is responsible for whether he is happy or not.
- The best way to defeat your frustrations is to develop your strengths.
- Work is an important factor in well-being. The person involved in the work always feels meaningful and happy.
- Money does not give happiness, but shopping for other people can make you and them much happier.
- The development of optimism, altruism, and the ability to give thanks in yourself will make you feel happy.
How to enjoy life
More positive! This is the motto of the person practicing this teaching. Constantly in a good mood, believing in oneself and achieving your goals help special phrases - affirmations.
Positive psychology experts advise you to choose a few phrases for yourself that help you tune in to the positive outcome of the problem that worries you. These can be phrases such as: “I can easily find a way out of any situation”, “I am well done”, “all my problems are solvable”, “I am the best in this world”, “I am satisfied with myself”.
The phrases that are best suited to your situation need to be written on a piece of paper. Then you need to repeat them aloud or to yourself until you internally believe that everything really is.
If you start to think positively, then over time you will witness wonderful changes in your life: you will have a good mood, you will learn to see beauty even in the smallest manifestations, and self-confidence will help to cope with any problem.
These are the wonders positive psychology can do! Books on this topic will help you learn more about
how to change your life for the better and become happy.
We recommend starting the study of this topic with a book by M. Seligman, which is called “New Positive Psychology”. Believe in yourself - and you will succeed!