A Review of Positive Psychology
By Victoria Shirkey, LCPC
EMDR Trained
Every day, we are surrounded by the challenges of life. Sometimes, those challenges feel really big, overwhelming, and all-consuming. When our problems become our primary focus, it can lead to a variety of mental health concerns. Positive psychology is a psychological approach that essentially shifts that focus to a more strength-based approach.
“Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living” (Peterson, 2008).
Often, when I begin meetings with my clients, they say things like, “Nothing helps”, “I’ll never get better”, or “I’ll always be this way”. If you are functioning under these beliefs, the idea of positive psychology might seem impossible or foolish. However, I love to challenge those ideas because change is, in fact, possible. Our brains naturally want to move towards positive changes; they just sometimes misread what is actually appropriate for the given situation. For such a smart organ, it can also be really dumb. Science tells us that our brains have neuroplasticity abilities, which means they can be rewired. This process can take time and patience, which can be discouraging if you’re someone who prefers fast results or instant gratification. However, I encourage you to trust the process.
Positive psychology teaches our brains to look for wholeness. It shifts the focus away from the hole in the wall and redirects it to the other parts such as tools, supports, strengths, etc. Despite the lies our brain tells us, we are more than our weaknesses or shortcomings. Positive psychology aims to highlight those other areas. This process may begin in therapy, but then you have an opportunity to train your brain to recognize the wholeness and strengths within and around you.
Often, when I talk to individuals about this process, I’m met with excuses like, “I’m too busy”. Implementing principles of positive psychology does not have to be an overwhelming task. In fact, it can be easily applied to your everyday routine. Don’t overthink it.
How to apply principles of positive psychology. What makes Life worth living?
1. Gratitude. Take time each day to notice a few things that you are thankful for or happy about. The sunshine, your friends' kindness towards you, the shoes on your feet, the air in your lungs, etc. If it’s hard to identify a few, just start with one.
2. Self-Compassion. Notice kind, positive, or neutral things about yourself each day. Your bravery, your strength, your smile, your hard-work, etc. However, an equally important part of self-compassion is allowing yourself to acknowledge, feel, and express all emotions. Ignoring more difficult emotions or pretending like you’re okay is not compassionate. Balance is important.
Tip: If you feel insecure about a particular part of your body. Practice focusing on the positive function of that body part, rather than the insecurity.
3. Self-care. Take time throughout the day to acknowledge yourself and your needs. Pause to breathe, step outside and embrace the sunshine, make the hair appointment, read the book. Do something each day that sparks at least a little joy.
I encourage you not to focus on perfection, but to take steps in the right direction. These ideas can be a great addition to your daily routine and your overall journey. Each day, look for something that makes life worth living.
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