Positive Psychology: How It Relates To Change

What does positive psychology have to do with lifestyle change?

Positive Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson’s work over the past 20 years has shown that positivity is crucial to the change process because positive emotions build resilience: the ability to deal with what comes, to roll with the punches, to change. Amazingly, when we have more positive emotions in our lives, we become more open, and are even more able to see new possibilities, which can help us to construct our best future.

Experiencing daily positive emotions also builds motivation and confidence, both crucial for change of any kind. Even if you are highly motivated, without confidence you won’t reach the finish line. So having positive emotions is a requirement, not a luxury, for the change process. Positive emotions actually drive the capacity to change.

Great health is about having a balance in all areas of our lives, so that we experience a sustained feeling of well-being. The science of Positive Psychology suggests that we experience well-being when we include in our lives: daily positive emotions, sources of meaning, good relationships, and accomplishments that matter to us.