I have read most of Martin Seligman's books, and let me say up front I'm grateful for his work as founder of the positive psychology movement. There is a lot of data that a pessimistic take on events does not make for either physical health or general wellbeing--and these studies are so consistent it is hard to imagine they're all wrong. What if you tend to look a bit too much at the dark side of events? Can you change? The idea is not to become Pollyanna-to-the-point-of-stupidity, of course, but only to cultivate a somewhat sunnier outlook. Well, it turns out you can change, at least to an extent, and Dr. Seligman has pioneered techniques to increase optimism. I've personally found some of the methods he recommends helpful. I particularly like the "three blessings" exercise in which each day one picks out three things that have gone well. This helps shift the mind to a focus on what is good in everyday life. The idea of making a point of using "signature strengths" to cope on a daily basis with life's challenges is also useful. (A quiz to help you identify your strengths is included in this book.) I like the fact that positive psychology is based on empirical studies rather than wishful thinking, and there is data to show its techniques work.
This is not a self-help book, however, but more of an account of Dr. Seligman's reconsideration of the ultimate goal of positive psychology. Rather than mere mood enhancement, he sees a different and broader aim--flourishing, which includes having good relationships with others and a generally meaningful life. There is an interesting discussion here of what makes for happiness in the truest sense. Also the book contains a detailed account of Dr. Seligman's pro bono work with the U.S. Army, fostering resilience. (I was moved by his revealing the personal motives--he is the grandson of immigrants lucky to escape the Holocaust--that led him to do this work.) There is abundant material on using positive psychology in corporate or school settings. All to my mind quite fascinating.
So, to sum up, there's a lot here about the expanded theory and applying positive psychology in organizations. And it is all interesting and clearly written enough that I read this book eagerly in a couple of sittings. Still, people looking for an introduction to the field of positive psychology and in particular those who want to use its findings to become happier, might prefer Dr, Seligman's earlier book AUTHENTIC HAPPINESS. (FLOURISH does describe many of the same techniques mentioned in AUTHENTIC HAPPINESS but it has a broader focus.)
If when I read a psychology book I take away one technique for fostering better relationships--something I didn't know before--I'm thrilled. The information here on how to help people celebrate their wins in life and increase their joy was eye-opening. You say "Of course" when you read this, and then thinking about it, you realize you've learned something new and useful. This is on many levels a great book.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
This item: Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being
$9.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 18
In Stock
+
$11.47
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 18
In Stock
+
$14.59
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 18
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Create a Life of Purpose
8 Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional, Spiritual, SocialTake-aways: PERMA (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) is the updated formula for creating a purposeful, meaningful, happy life. Positive Psychology is proving itYou'll LOVE this book if: you're looking for ways to intentionally create more opportunities in your life to be happy, engaged, and find meaning.DON'T read if: you feel you already have a handle on your life, or don't feel that PERMA is important to you.Reasons I love this book: I always appreciate systems and steps to creating a more purposeful, meaningful life. Dr. Seligman shows you the science, and gives you interesting, applicable evidence and stories to help you see how flourishing can make your life better.When reading books, I often take one or two nuggets from them, absorb them into my preconceived knowledge of the world, and attempt to use what it shared with me to expand my horizons. I'm very rare occasions, the book will completely shift my perspective, and set me on a new path. This book has done just that.While you may not completely change the trajectory of your life, this book will likely do two things:1)give you both a sound understanding of why positivity, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments can help you build a better life,2) give you tactical, tangible means to begin creating that life.The world will improve to the use of positive psychology. Because the world is directed by individuals, and the better the individuals, the better the direction.Find it on Amazon. Tell me when you buy it. Share your thoughts with me. If you love it, tell me, and we'll start helping others build a better life, together.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2011
- Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2011
Top reviews from other countries
-
-
- Caitlin CockcroftReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2018
A must read for those wanting to understand how we thrive as opposed to existing psychological theories of why we suffer
