Traditional psychology often focuses on what's "broken" – on illnesses, anxieties, and deficits. Positive psychology, pioneered by Martin Seligman, reverses this perspective: it asks what makes people happy and how to strengthen their strengths. This is not naive optimism, but scientifically proven strategies for building well-being.
3 Pillars of Happiness (Seligman's Model)
- The Pleasant Life: Cultivating positive emotions (tastes, smells, sights).
- The Engaged Life: Discovering and developing your strengths, entering a state of "flow."
- The Meaningful Life: Feeling that your life has purpose, serving something greater than yourself.
Scientific Sources:
- Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). "Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Wellbeing".
