Seligman and Flow

Professor Seligman says our brains are simply not set up for good times. “The default motion of our tongue is to find the cavity rather than a really nice tooth and similarly the mind’s default is to find what is wrong.”

Professor Seligman says people need to train their minds to view life positively….

Professor Seligman divides happiness into three strands – the hedonic/pleasant, the engaged and the meaningful life.

Research on his students – supported by those who have taken psychological tests on his website, http://www.authentichappiness.org – demonstrate that personal gratification is enjoyable but feelings of well-being don’t last long.

Instead he found it is when you experience “flow”, where you are totally absorbed by a task, that you experience longer lasting well-being.

A sense of happiness lasts longer still when you have a meaningful life. “This comes from using your highest strengths to serve something that is bigger than you are.”

In his research students had to do something that was fun and then something philanthropic. “They learned that when the fun thing is over, it’s over. We believe that money brings happiness, control and security and are astonished to find that people are happier helping someone than going shopping.”

Professor Seligman has taught Geelong Grammar staff about 18 techniques to enhance happiness. One technique is called a gratitude visit, whereby you write and then read a testimonial to someone you never properly thanked. He claims it makes you feel happier even a month later.

…he says 20 studies on altruism have shown that happy people are more altruistic.

Professor Seligman says…optimistic people are more creative, have happier marriages, less divorce, increased school grades and income, and live up to nine years longer.

From FairfaxDigital