What is Positive Psychology?

Have you ever wondered why some individuals, institutions and communities thrive where others fail? Well, Positive Psychology seeks to answer that question. This field of science was founded in 2000 by Dr. Martin Seligman to study what is right with us, as opposed to the medical illness model of what is wrong with us.

The research proves that when we focus on what is right with us, we thrive and develop resources to meet with life’s adversities more readily. For example, a study of a group of nuns showed that those who used more optimistic words in their verbal and written expression of themselves and life in general lived on average nine years longer than those who were more neutral or expressed pessimistic outlooks.

Findings from Positive Psychology Studies

Furled Sail by Vivi de Graff

  • Feel good before trying to solve a logical problem; you are more likely to come up with a creative solution.
  • When you watch a film clip that elicits negative emotions, follow it up with a positive film clip; your cardiovascular system will rebound to baseline 20 seconds faster.

When your positive to negative ratio of emotions is 3:1 or better you are considered to be in a flourishing state. That means improved health and emotional well-being. I call it the “life is good” phenomenon. Working toward being in this state more often is a worthwhile goal, and now there are programs to get you there.

Change Your Direction with Positive Psychology

Drawing directly on the research, Johanna Vanderpol createse and runs workshops, coaching programs, one-on-one coaching and speaking engagements designed to empower you and get you into that flourishing state more often.  She tailors the program to be relevant to your needs whether you are a company, an individual or a school.

Watch this video of Dr. Martin Seligman

What is the next step?

E-mail Johanna at info@johannavanderpol.com to arrange a time to discuss the options for your unique application. She loves to hear from you, and together you can see if it would be the right thing for you or your organization.

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