The Observer Effect: More Than Just Physics

Quantum mechanics introduced us to the startling reality that observation itself influences the behavior of subatomic particles. The famous double-slit experiment demonstrated that electrons behave differently when observed versus unobserved—a phenomenon that has puzzled physicists for decades. This “observer effect” suggests that consciousness itself may play a role in shaping physical reality, at least at the quantum level.

Positive psychology, meanwhile, emphasizes how our focus and attention shape our experience. When we direct our attention toward positive aspects of life—gratitude, strengths, opportunities—our subjective experience transforms. The parallel is striking: in both domains, the act of conscious attention appears to have transformative power.

Dr. Ellen Langer’s groundbreaking work on mindfulness demonstrates how heightened awareness can improve physical health outcomes, cognitive performance, and longevity. These findings suggest that, like the observer in quantum experiments, our conscious attention may influence physical processes in ways traditional science struggles to explain.

Quantum Entanglement and Human Connection

Another quantum phenomenon with psychological parallels is entanglement—where particles become connected such that the state of one instantly influences the other, regardless of distance. Einstein famously called this “spooky action at a distance.”

In human psychology, we see something remarkably similar in how we connect with others. Research by social psychologist James Coan shows that holding the hand of a loved one literally reduces pain perception and calms neural activity during stress. The concept of “limbic resonance,” where two people’s nervous systems synchronize during empathetic connection, mirrors quantum entanglement’s mysterious connectedness.

Barbara Fredrickson’s “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions suggests that positive states create an upward spiral effect, expanding our awareness and building resources that benefit others in our social network. Like entangled particles, positive emotional states appear to “infect” those around us, creating systems of influence that transcend simple cause-and-effect relationships.

Superposition and Psychological Flexibility

In quantum physics, particles exist in a state of superposition—simultaneously occupying multiple states until measured. This counterintuitive reality challenges our classical understanding of defined states and binary outcomes.

Psychological flexibility—a cornerstone of positive psychology approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy—embraces a similar paradigm. The most resilient individuals maintain a kind of psychological superposition, holding multiple perspectives simultaneously and adapting their responses based on context rather than rigid rules.

Research by Todd Kashdan suggests that psychological flexibility strongly predicts wellbeing and life satisfaction. Those who can hold contradictory emotions simultaneously (such as grief and gratitude) and shift perspectives based on situational demands demonstrate greater resilience to life’s challenges.

The Quantum Zeno Effect and the Power of Attention

The quantum Zeno effect describes how a particle’s decay can be inhibited by measuring it frequently enough—essentially “freezing” its state through observation. This strange phenomenon suggests that consistent attention can stabilize quantum states.

In psychology, we see a parallel in how consistent attention to positive states can “stabilize” them in our experience. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research on “flow” states demonstrates how focused attention creates a self-reinforcing cycle of engagement and satisfaction. Similarly, mindfulness practices train us to sustain attention on present-moment experience, effectively “freezing” our awareness in a state of acceptance and curiosity.

Rick Hanson’s work on “taking in the good” leverages this principle, showing how intentionally focusing on positive experiences for extended periods literally rewires neural pathways, creating lasting changes in brain structure and emotional tendencies.

Uncertainty Principles in Science and Selfhood

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that we cannot simultaneously know a particle’s position and momentum with perfect precision—the more precisely we measure one, the more uncertain the other becomes.

Similarly, in psychology, we find that rigid self-concepts often limit our growth and adaptability. Those with fixed mindsets (as described by Carol Dweck) struggle when faced with challenges that contradict their self-image. Conversely, those embracing an uncertain, evolving sense of self—what Buddhism calls “anatta” or “no-self”—often demonstrate greater psychological flexibility and resilience.

Recent research in developmental psychology suggests that embracing uncertainty about oneself and one’s future may actually enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. When we hold our identities lightly, we remain open to possibilities that rigid self-concepts might exclude.

Practical Applications: Quantum-Inspired Positivity

How might these parallels inform practical approaches to wellbeing? Several emerging practices bridge these domains:

1. Quantum Mindfulness: Practices that cultivate awareness of the observer effect in daily life, noticing how attention itself shapes experience.

2. Entanglement Meditation: Techniques focusing on interconnection and how emotional states ripple through social networks, cultivating compassion and social responsibility.

3. Superposition Thinking: Cognitive flexibility exercises that train the ability to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously, enhancing creative problem-solving and emotional resilience.

4. Uncertainty Training: Practices that build comfort with ambiguity and the unknown, reducing anxiety about the future and enhancing adaptation to change.

Conclusion: A Convergent Future

While we must be careful not to overstate the connections between quantum physics and psychology, the parallels offer fascinating avenues for future research and intervention development. As quantum computing advances our understanding of consciousness and as positive psychology refines its measurement of subjective experience, we may discover that these fields are more deeply connected than we currently realize.

The most exciting possibility is that positive psychology practices may someday be understood not merely as subjective interventions but as processes that influence physical reality through quantum mechanisms we are only beginning to understand. As physicist John Wheeler proposed with his “participatory universe” concept, consciousness itself may be fundamental to reality—not an emergent property but a primary force shaping our world.

In this convergent future, the ancient wisdom that our thoughts create our reality may find unexpected support in the most advanced physics of our time. The boundary between mind and matter, between observer and observed, continues to blur—revealing a universe more interconnected and responsive to consciousness than we ever imagined.

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Positive psychology, a field dedicated to understanding and fostering human flourishing, has gained significant traction in recent decades. It focuses on strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to well-being, happiness, and a meaningful life. However, one of the most profound philosophical debates—whether humans possess free will—casts a shadow over the foundations of positive psychology. If free will is an illusion, as some neuroscientists and philosophers argue, what does this mean for concepts like personal growth, responsibility, and the pursuit of happiness? This blog explores how the absence of free will challenges and reshapes the principles of positive psychology.

Understanding Free Will and Its Implications

Free will is the belief that individuals have the capacity to make choices independent of external forces or deterministic processes. It is deeply embedded in our understanding of morality, responsibility, and personal agency. However, many scientists and philosophers argue that free will is an illusion. Neuroscientific studies, such as those by Benjamin Libet, suggest that decisions are made in the brain before we become consciously aware of them. Determinists argue that our choices are the result of genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and prior experiences, leaving little room for true autonomy.

If free will does not exist, it raises critical questions for positive psychology. How can individuals take responsibility for their happiness if their actions are predetermined? Can concepts like resilience, gratitude, and self-determination hold meaning in a deterministic framework? To answer these questions, we must examine the core tenets of positive psychology through the lens of determinism.

The Role of Agency in Positive Psychology

At the heart of positive psychology lies the concept of agency—the belief that individuals have the power to shape their lives and influence their well-being. Practices like setting goals, cultivating optimism, and developing a growth mindset rely on the assumption that people can make conscious choices to improve their circumstances. If free will is an illusion, this sense of agency becomes problematic.

In a deterministic world, individuals are not truly “choosing” to adopt a positive mindset or work toward their goals; they are simply following a predetermined path shaped by their biology and environment. This challenges the motivational aspect of positive psychology. Why strive for self-improvement if our actions are preordained? Without free will, the idea of “taking control” of one’s happiness may feel hollow, potentially undermining the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions.

Responsibility and Accountability

Positive psychology often emphasises personal responsibility for well-being. Practices like gratitude journaling, mindfulness, and acts of kindness are framed as choices individuals can make to enhance their happiness. However, if free will does not exist, the notion of responsibility becomes murky. Can we hold people accountable for failing to engage in these practices if their behavior is determined by factors beyond their control?

This lack of accountability could have far-reaching implications. For example, if someone struggles with depression or fails to achieve their goals, a deterministic perspective might suggest that they are not at fault. While this could foster compassion and reduce stigma, it might also lead to a sense of helplessness. If individuals believe they have no control over their actions, they may feel less motivated to engage in positive psychology practices, potentially hindering their well-being.

The Paradox of Deterministic Optimism

Interestingly, some proponents of determinism argue that accepting the absence of free will can lead to greater compassion and understanding. If we recognise that people’s actions are shaped by factors beyond their control, we may be less likely to judge or blame them. This perspective aligns with positive psychology’s emphasis on empathy and social connection.

Moreover, determinism does not necessarily negate the pursuit of happiness. Even if our actions are predetermined, we can still experience joy, meaning, and fulfillment. For example, engaging in activities that promote well-being—such as practicing gratitude or fostering relationships—can still lead to positive outcomes, regardless of whether these actions are freely chosen. This perspective, sometimes called “deterministic optimism,” suggests that we can embrace positive psychology practices without relying on the concept of free will.

Rethinking Growth and Resilience

Positive psychology often highlights the potential for growth and resilience in the face of adversity. Concepts like post-traumatic growth and the idea that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” rely on the belief that individuals can overcome challenges through effort and determination. However, if free will is an illusion, the process of growth may be seen as an automatic response to external circumstances rather than a conscious choice.

This deterministic view does not necessarily diminish the value of growth and resilience. Even if these processes are not freely chosen, they can still lead to meaningful outcomes. For example, someone who develops resilience after a difficult experience may still find purpose and fulfillment, regardless of whether their growth was predetermined. However, the narrative of personal triumph—central to many positive psychology interventions—may need to be reframed to align with a deterministic worldview.

The Role of Meaning and Purpose

One of the pillars of positive psychology is the pursuit of meaning and purpose. People are encouraged to identify their values, set meaningful goals, and contribute to something greater than themselves. These practices are often framed as choices that individuals can make to enhance their well-being.

In a deterministic framework, meaning and purpose may still hold value, but they must be understood differently. Rather than being the result of conscious choices, they may be seen as emergent properties of our biology and environment. For example, someone might find purpose in helping others because their upbringing and experiences predisposed them to value altruism. While this perspective challenges the traditional narrative of self-determination, it does not diminish the importance of meaning and purpose in promoting well-being.

Practical Implications for Positive Psychology

If free will is an illusion, positive psychology must adapt to this reality. Here are some ways the field could address the challenges posed by determinism:

1. Reframing Agency: Instead of emphasising free will, positive psychology could focus on the concept of “perceived agency.” Even if our choices are predetermined, the belief that we have control over our lives can still motivate positive behavior and enhance well-being.

2. Promoting Compassion: A deterministic perspective can foster empathy and reduce judgment. Positive psychology interventions could emphasise understanding and acceptance, helping individuals cultivate compassion for themselves and others.

3. Focusing on Outcomes: Rather than framing practices like gratitude or mindfulness as choices, positive psychology could highlight their benefits. For example, individuals might be encouraged to engage in these practices because they lead to positive outcomes, regardless of whether they are freely chosen.

4. Embracing Deterministic Optimism: Positive psychology could adopt a deterministic perspective that emphasises the potential for joy and fulfilment, even in the absence of free will. This approach could help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, regardless of their beliefs about autonomy.

Conclusion

The question of free will challenges many of the foundational assumptions of positive psychology. If our actions are predetermined, concepts like agency, responsibility, and growth must be reexamined. However, this does not mean that positive psychology loses its relevance. By embracing a deterministic perspective, the field can adapt to these challenges and continue to promote well-being, meaning, and fulfillment.

Ultimately, the absence of free will does not negate the value of positive psychology. Whether our actions are freely chosen or predetermined, the pursuit of happiness and flourishing remains a universal human endeavor. By reframing its principles to align with a deterministic worldview, positive psychology can continue to inspire individuals to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

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Health risks of loneliness

Loneliness carries a significant number of health risks;

• Loneliness can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, 2010)
• Loneliness is more damaging to your health then obesity (Holt-Lunstad 2010)
• Lonely People are at a higher risk from, heart disease, dementia and depression (Cacioppo et al, 2006)
• Loneliness is likely to increase premature death by 29% (Holt-Lunstad, 2015)

From a personal point of view there have been times when I have felt lonely, and although they have only lasted a few weeks or months, I have noticed a change in my mental and physical well-being. Four months of lock down due to Covid-19 has reminded me of what it felt like in not being able to connect with other people.

Re-connecting with people

It might sound obvious, but loneliness is caused by losing connection with other people. There are many reasons for this and everyone has their own way of connecting with others, however I have listed five strategies that have worked for me and I am applying to my daily life as I emerge from isolation.

To do List

When spending time alone it’s very easy to become lethargic and without any kind of daily structure its easy to just procrastinate. The paradox is you have plenty of time on your hands and yet its often difficult to get things done.

During the lockdown I wrote a to-do list every morning. It often had a lot of quite mundane things to do, such as cleaning jobs or what I was going to cook for dinner, but by having a list it gave me a structure to work to. Crossing something off the list, however mundane the task, gave me a feeling of having done something, and helped me to get things done which I could have quite easily have left.

Shop Local

Its so easy and convenient to shop online these days, and you can do it all from the comfort of your home. However, by staying at home and shopping online there is an opportunity missed. I enjoy visiting the local shops, I’ve been doing it so long now that they know me by name and know my shopping habits. But best of all I get to talk to another human, even if it is only a brief hello or a chat about the weather. Barbara Fredrickson in her book Love 2.0 refers to this as a micro moment of love. She argues that any human connection, however brief, triggers a response similar to how we feel when we love someone. That’s not to say we fall in love with everyone we meet but it’s that feeling that we have connected to someone else. She goes on to say that the more of these connections we have the happier we become. So, imagine instead of ordering numerous items from one online store try visiting a handful of local shops and build connections with the people you meet. The British Independent retail association also list a number of other benefits to shopping locally on the website https://bira.co.uk/shop-local/

Join a Meetup group

If there is an activity you are quite passionate about the chances are that other people are too. Meetup (www.meetup.com) is an organisation that encourages people to meet up and share their activities. There are numerous different groups run by the group members and offer a wide range of activities. It’s a great way to meet like minded people who share your interests. There may also be other groups who put on activities that you have never tried but would like to have a go. The very fact I’m writing this blog is because I saw a local meetup organising events around positive psychology. I enjoyed it so much I went to University and got myself a degree in the subject (and in doing so met lots of wonderful people and made some great friends)

Volunteer

Volunteering for a local charity is a wonderful way to get out of the house and meet people. There are so many different ways to volunteer and it has to be one of the most satisfying ways to spend your time. I belong to a group that looks after parks and green spaces locally. I get lots of fresh air, do tasks which are immensely fulfilling and get to spend some time with people I would never have normally met. The local council has a list of different organisations and the types of volunteer they are looking for.

Borrow a dog

One thing I noticed when I owned a dog is just how many people I got to meet, many of whom became friends. When you have a dog there is something in common and if you get into a daily routine there are others who do the same. Dogs are not as shy as humans when it comes to introducing themselves to another dog, which often gives a great ice breaker to start a conversation with the owner. By having a dog you straight away have something in common.

But what if you don’t want the commitment of owning a dog? A simple solution is to borrow one. I’m lucky as there is a local neighbour who is happy to lend me their dog, however I have friends who have found dogs to borrow through websites such as borrow my doggy (https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/) Owners don’t have time to walk their dogs, so by offering to look after their dog for a few hours you get all the benefits of walking a dog without the commitment of owning one.

Beating Loneliness is, to say the least, can be very challenging, but there are ways it can be done. I have offered the steps I have taken in the past and I’m sure there are many more, but with the lockdown easing there are opportunities opening up to connect with others, and by taking small steps there are ways to re connect with people again.

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Origin

There are different suggestions as to the origin of the expression, such as relating to people’s tongues being fed to cats in ancient Egypt or the cat o’ nine tails being used in the Navy.  According to the site www.phrases.org.uk  there is no evidence to suggest either of these are true.  Gary Martin writes that ‘The expression sounds as though it might be old but isn’t especially so. I can find no instances of it in print until the mid 19th century.’

Fear of Rejection and Taking Action

Regardless of the origin of “Has the cat got your tongue”, it is time for me to think about why I am like this?   I suspect that it boils down to a fear of people saying no to me when I talk about the business.  Even as I type this, I know how ridiculous that is.  I have read so many books on personal development, learning that failure leads to success and that to get the yeses means going for the noes too.  I am guilty of reading and reading but not actually walking the walk and talking the talk.  I have written about procrastination before and it still is a nemesis for me.   As I reflect on my youth, I realise that my social awkwardness stems from being bullied about my sexuality and people mimicking me in both my mannerisms and the sound of my voice.  This made it very difficult for me to mingle at parties and other such social occasions.  As I went through higher education, finally the bullying ceased, people started to believe in me and began to see me for who I am.  As the years started to go by, I found my confidence growing and that I was not living on my nerves all the time.  Still one area evaded me and that was the confidence to talk to men, particularly ones that I was attracted to.  That all changed in 2006, when I started to go out on the clubbing scene, something I had rarely done before and never on my own.  Just one year later I met my now civil partner and I am a very different person today, thanks to his belief in me.

So, what is holding me back still?  I need to take action!  The first thing I need to do is accept that when people are saying no, they are not rejecting me.  They are simply not interested in the business as either a customer or distributor.  Afterall, Thomas Edison took one thousand attempts to invent the lightbulb and how many of those exist in today’s world?  It is time for me to face the fear and just get on with it.

Secondly, I clearly need to set some goals with time frames.  My personal development reading has taught me that goals should be set in stone but the plans to achieve them set in sand.  I know I have the skills to network effectively and in doing so I can learn by being around like-minded people, whatever their own goals are or what business they are in.

I have found writing this blog quite cathartic.  Just by making myself scratch the surface, I have come to the realisation that holding onto the past is preventing me from going forward. Rejection is part of life but so is reward through the results of your efforts with all the rejections and failures thrown in.

About the author: Stuart Dickson

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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This is a new dawn to a new day in the time of something ‘more’ for positive psychology. I began my journey in the study and practice of positive psychology in 2007. I was a charter member of IPPA, but since, allowed that membership to lapse. I began researching the positive aspects of pp for professional reasons, but soon realized that we are more than the sum of our parts. The part that was pp? Was missing parts.

I’ve become a noetic nomad in search of clarity.

Reflection to Revitalization

I was one of the original admin’s on the now, largest Facebook page for pp. There were only 5,000 members then, Now, it’s well over 100,000 and counting. I had to leave. It lost it’s meaning to become more of a selling point for programs and practitioners. I got to know leaders in the field, who, upon closer evaluation, needed followers, more than they needed to lead. Some were as with all momentums, gracious, kind, humbled and lovely. Others? Egotistic, rude, self-serving and thoughtless.

Ironically, the more I became invested in the pursuit of happiness [research], the more miserable I became. Happiness does not fall out of fashion. No topic can. But, positive psychology murdered my Pollyanna.

In our professional and personal development, we have attempted to divide the two, as if we don’t live both lives in tandem of each other. In psychology in general, we splinter ourselves into researcher vs. practitioner; client vs. coach; student vs. teacher, and so on.

In truth?

We are all both at all times. There’s a fluidity to human existence as old as the dawn of time. We are at times, all called to clarify the purpose and meaning of what we’re here for in the first place. I’ve watched celebrity practitioners spit shine their sparkly stories in order to launch a boastful career. While brilliance shadowed by the machine. We are savvy, aren’t we? . I don’t care how shiny your designer shoes are. Be genuine, or get out of the game. It’s not a game. Not to me.

We will never achieve authentic or genuine anything, until we own up.

Genuineness

When I approached a leader in the field with the challenge, only to be met with the rudest, most condescending non-direct, passive aggressive response to my inquiry, I stopped cold. Stopped my involvement in positive psychology. Stopped my Clarity Is… blog. Stopped admin duty.

We need to silence our minds. I needed to regroup. I needed to calm my brain. It’s time. Adjust the sails. Me?

I became a nomad in search of meaning [Noetics]. There had to be more. Should be more. Can be more.

This new blog is a weekly journey through the discovery of why we’re all here. We are leading the world in what makes life worth living. We owe our readers and clients our authentic selves in the process. What is our purpose? Who are we actually? Will we harm the world or heal it? Today begins the journey through the land that we call positive psychology through an existential interpretation. The nomad through noetic understanding of positive psychology in search of clarity.

Peace!
Karen

About the Author: Karen Henry, MA CRM owns Henry Healing as a holistic well-being practitioner and writer. She’s a former university professor and current scholar practicing the infusion of positive, existential and community psychology. I’m a member of INPM, NCCPT, IARP.

“We Are The Positive Psychology People”

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Before I started each meeting I had a negative mindset: I would say to myself; “This is going to be difficult“, “He never listens to anyone, just shouts “, “I’m no good at getting my point across“. For years I lived with this tension until one day I had a light bulb moment. I realised I was looking at it all wrong, and found that communicating with others just needs a change of mindset that involves the following approaches:

1)   Be compassionate. Although some people like to create an argument and seem to get a buzz out of it, in reality when two people are trying to make a point in a discussion, each one just wants the other person to  see their perspective. They have a point they want to make and tension is just the frustration that the other person doesn’t seem to care. So start caring about the other person’s viewpoint!;

2)   Be interested. Is this familiar- someone is telling you their view, but  you are not fully listening, you are already putting together your retort to what they are saying in your head? When a person stops and actually listens to another person, sometimes we actually benefit from it! I don’t know who actually said the following quote- some say Aristotle some say the Dalai Lama; whoever it was, it sums up how we should approach interacting with other people: “When we speak we are  just repeating what we already know, but when we listen we learn something new/”

So be curious about the other person’s view. Ask questions, look them in the eyes and show them you are paying attention. Look for common agreement, and ask for more discussion around the parts that don’t align with your views. Maybe they have a point after all.

And even if at the end you still disagree I bet you it ended politely, with no shouting and no red faces. Both of you respected each other’s views, took the time to understand the views better, and maybe even smiled at one another. That’s all anyone wants isn’t it?

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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I was excited to be asked to deliver training on mindset for year 11 teens in a local High School recently as they approach GCSE’s.  With very little notice or guidance about what the school wanted, it felt like a tough call – designing and delivering a 6-week programme in literally a few days. However, as I have been hoping for more opportunities to work with young people and introduce them to positive psychology ‘tools’ for health and wellbeing – I accepted the challenge gratefully: and it is certainly proving to be a challenge!

Exam stress, anxiety about missing lessons and reluctance to engage in new activities such as mindfulness  – in front of their mates and with an unfamiliar teacher – are proving a real challenge and I am definitely having to adopt a growth mindset to come up with new strategies to encourage engagement and participation.

Positive Exam Preparation (PEP): Being and Doing Your Best

Choosing the programme title ‘Positive Exam Preparation: Being and Doing your Best’ felt like a good start. This PEP course is part of the Upward Spirals: Strengthening Schools programme that I have developed which looks at supporting both physical and psychological wellbeing in the same programme. Whilst my focus is on student well-being above exam results, optimistic students are happier and more successful.

I love that Positive Psychology is predominantly about ‘building what’s-strong-not-fixing what’s wrong’ and is aimed at a ‘non-clinical population’, promoting positive psychological resources to prevent future problems. However, I believe that effective support for teens needs to be even broader and more holistic; giving teens positive strategies to cope with stress and look after their wellbeing is just as (if not more) important than revision and study techniques alone. The Upward Spirals programme is an integrated approach that embraces multiple Positive Psychology concepts, mindfulness practice and the foundations of health – healthy diet / hydration; exercise and good quality sleep.

Mindset: The Power of YET

There are so many things that studying an MSc in positive psychology has helped me to understand better. As Carol Dweck states: “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects your life”: failing an exam does not make you a failure; it simply means that you are not there YET and may need to try new strategies to reach your goals.

With a fixed mindset, people believe that their intelligence and abilities are fixed at birth and that there is not much you can do to change this.

The emphasis becomes about hiding the feeling that you aren’t smart, constantly trying to prove that you are and sometimes exaggerating or even lying about your achievements.

In a growth mindset, abilities and intelligence are not seen as fixed: with effort and perseverance we can develop these qualities and achieve success.

My own ‘fixed mindset’ belief as teenager  – that I was ‘no good at Maths’  – caused me such stress and I suffered with migraine headaches (unsurprisingly, clustered around Maths lessons) for which medication was prescribed.  Knowing that we can learn to adopt a ‘growth mindset’ can be a real game-changer: I might have managed school-related stress better and so can teens now. Hence my reason for wanting to give both adults and teens more guidance and better coping tools.

Below are a few of the tips for teens from the course programme.

Positive Exam Prep: Tips for Teens

·      Change your mind: Adopt a growth mindset by trying new strategies and tools to boost learning AND wellbeing

·      Stay Positive: positive emotions like optimism and hope have a powerful influence on wellbeing and success. Make sure you have a positive support network of people that you can go to for help, support and fun too. Make a note of all the people that you could approach for help and support if you need to and keep it handy

·      What’s-worked-well: Think about strategies that have worked well for you in the past and now – do them more

·      Use your strengths: There are 7 character strengths associated with academic success: Curiosity, gratitude, optimism, perseverance, self-regulation, social intelligence, zest. Take the VIA free youth survey to find your strengths and use them more. www.viacharacter.org/

·      Look after yourself: making sure that you eat well and stay hydrated – oily fish is especially good for the brain but if you don’t like fish you can take Omega 3 supplements; fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds and nuts are good too: walnuts even look like the brain! Get regular exercise in study breaks and plenty of sleep; go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

·      Breathe! Practice mindfulness to help you stay calm. www.headspace.com You can sign up for free for 10 days or get the app.

·      Use Marginal gains theory: focus on the 1% margin for improvement in all areas linked to studying and exams – by making small changes in all of the above you can achieve substantial gains in your performance! For example:

Drink one glass of water extra per day (maybe reduce pop by 1 can a day too)

Go to bed 10 minutes earlier each night and turn your mobile off at night

Take 3 deep breaths / mindful pauses before studying / exams to stay calm and focussed

Good luck!

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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Understanding the Activator Strength

Activator is ranked 29th in frequency out of all 34 strengths. It is most likely paired with Strategic at .33% and least likely paired with Deliberative at .02%. 10% of the population has Activator in their top 5 strengths.

Activator has a sense of urgency that may appear like impatience. People with Activator may come across as fast thinkers, fast talkers, and like to move quickly. They are a catalyst to instigate others to action. They frequently say, “Just do it.”

Other words we might use are starter, originator, dynamic, risk taker, and influencer.

Activator is part of the Influencing domain of leadership. They not only desire to take action themselves, they want to light a fire under others to start.

Refined Activator Strength

One CEO client I coached had Activator #1 and Strategic #2. Marcus was an incredible entrepreneur and business man. I lead Marcus through an exercise to name his Activator strength. He loved to restore old race cars. He said, Brent my Activator is WOT. Wide Open Throttle. That’s how I lead and live life.

There was no fear to put his foot on the gas pedal literally and figuratively. He was willing to take risk, test, learn, and continue to move to grow his business.

Richard Branson in his book, The Virgin Way has this same urgency to test new innovative ideas and take those ideas into the marketplace quickly.

Raw Activator Strength

When Activator is under developed, immature, or speeding in excess can spin out and wreck on the race track of life. They can lose control temporarily with impatience, lack of restraint, and lack of listening.

Marcus admitted that he was not a great communicator and his team agreed. Because he was running wide open throttle it was sometimes hard for others to keep up with the speed of change.

Activator may sometimes operate under their own mantra of ready, Fire, aim.

Contrasting Activator

Activator says “let’s speed this up” and Deliberative says, “let’s slow this down.”
Activator is all about action, while Intellection is all about thinking.
Activator is about the starting line; Achiever is about the finishing line.

The Power of Activator is quick action that influences others for the better.
The Joy of Activator is getting the ball rolling.
The Beauty of Activator is that things are always changing and not static.
The Hope of Activator is to find opportunities to turn into action.

Action Items for Activator

·       Look for independent roles and startup opportunities.

·       Keep your involvement toward action oriented meetings.

·       Make sure you have purpose with your action.

·       Communicate succinctly the why of your desire for action to others.

·       Make sure you measure outcomes not the process of your Activator.

Discovery Questions for the Activator Strength

·       What is your best story of turning a good thing into great action?

·       How does your Activator like to learn best?

·       What other strengths in yourself can you shift gears and slow down?

·       Who are your best people and strengths to partner with?

·       What area of life and work do you need more action and less talk?

About the author: Brent O’Bannon coaches individuals, teams, and organizations as a PCC and the 1st GALLUP Certified Strengths Coach in the world. He is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author. Learn more at  brentobannon.com & strengthschampion.com

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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Finally we can say goodbye to winter and welcome with open arms the glorious season that is Spring!  A time for rebirth as nature slowly wakes up and comes back to its flamboyant and colourful life.  For me it’s a natural time to start spring  cleaning not only my home but also my life.  A therapeutic process that helps me to refocus on where I am and what I am achieving. Decluttering the noise out of my life.

Sunshine and Holidays

I am fortunate enough to be writing this at my mother-in-law’s kitchen table, on a hot sunny Brazilian morning.  My annual spring clean always starts a bit earlier, when I am here in Brazil.  The summer weather, in particular the sunshine has always given me my strongest motivation to do things.  Even preparing for this trip initiated action! After buying clothes for the holiday I needed to be ruthless with what was already in my wardrobe so that I could bring my now unwanted items to donate to people in Brazil.  As I separated items, I took a good look around our home and started to think of all the things I will do on my return.  Many of us are fortunate enough to be able to go on holiday and it’s something we start to plan during the Spring.  It’s a great starting point for the cleaning of your home and a decluttered environment goes a long way in clearing your mind.  The results of my efforts give me a little buzz of satisfaction which then leapfrogs i to other areas of my life.

Making Changes

So apart from the physical cleaning of my home, I have also learned to clean my life!  With the change of the season, I reflect on what I have done during the last year and what I aspire to do in the forthcoming year. I ask myself what changes I want to make and sometimes I can make quite drastic decisions.  For example, I have minimised contact with certain people, who I feel do not bring the right energy to what was once considered a friendship.  Whilst that might seem harsh, it is important to surround yourself with people who aspire to the same level as you; like breeding like.  On the same basis, I have unfriended or unfollowed people on social media sites, simply because of the negativity of their posts.  If it doesn’t add value to my life, I don’t want to see it.

As I reflect on how I utilise my time, I realise that bad habits start creeping in, especially in the days and weeks before the holiday starts.  So, I need to clean those habits up, such as not always reaching for the remote control when I get in from work, getting out and enjoying the light evenings and the nature around me.   Last year was a more challenging year for us and certain things were put on the back burner.  It’s time to pick those things up again because they form a crucial part of our long term goals together.  By removing the noise of unfinished jobs from my  surroundings, I receive clarity and focus on the bigger tasks in hand.

The Benefits of Spring Cleaning

There are many benefits to spring cleaning that improve our health and lives.  Reduced stress leads to improved moods and therefore increased activity and creativity.  The sense of achievement is somewhat liberating and the release of endorphins can give you that burst of energy to tackle what previously seemed too daunting to start.  The benefits are so good that The Relations Group Ltd have created Spring Cleaning Week in the U.K. which was between the 6 and 12 March this year. It’s a great way of bringing family and friends together which has to be good for the soul!  Whatever your spring clean brings to your life, enjoy the new season in your life!

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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The addict as trauma victim

Addicts are often told they are victims of trauma and their addiction will go way if they heal the trauma. But “healing” tends to get defined in an idealized way that does not exist. This leaves an addict focused on their past powerlessness rather than their present potential. The healing metaphor supports unrealistic expectations because physical wounds heal by resting on the couch. Psychic wounds do not. Nor does healing come from making child-like demands on the adult world as if collecting on an old debt. Recovery requires active steps that benefit from awareness of one’s strength rather than one’s woundedness.

The “specialness” of addiction

Addiction experts tends to generate data on the special challenges presented by the condition they study. Such information helps addicts feel special. We humans naturally seek that which makes us special, and build social alliances around a shared sense of grievance against those who undervalue our specialness. An addict loses this special identity and support if they end their addiction. Recovery look unappealing if it leaves a person feeling like a gazelle without a herd in a world full of predators. Positive psychology can help people meet their natural need for social significance in healthy ways instead of by identifying with the addiction.

The quest for “the right help”

Recovery used to be framed as a quest to “get help,” but many people remained addicted after tremendous amounts of help. Now recovery is framed as a quest for “the right help.” This makes it easy for addicts to see themselves as passive recipients of treatment rather than agents of their own choices. The problem is exacerbated when well-meaning professionals blame relapses on a client’s past providers. A professional naturally longs to be “the one” who succeeds where others have failed, but such thinking invites addicts to blame their outcomes on flaws in their treatment instead of tapping into their own power. Treatment professionals enjoy the activist metaphor of fighting for services and uniting in the quest for the cure, but addicts benefit more from paradigms that accent their power to take steps on their own behalf.

A positive alternative

If addiction could be solved by championing addicts as special trauma victims deprived of the right help, the problem would already be solved. Unfortunately, many kinds of help don’t help. Recovery requires active steps that build new neural pathways. A treatment is only “help” if such steps result. False help feeds the belief that treatment can fix you with no investment on your part. That belief has left frustrated addiction experts pinning their hopes on a pill.

The reader may indeed be waiting for “the pill” that cures addiction in the same passive way that a broken engine is fixed in a repair shop. Believers in this approach often pride themselves on their compassion, and condemn the morality of other approaches. The fact that one risks being morally condemned for expecting addicts to be proactive is emblematic of the negative thinking that infuses this field. There is plenty of room for a more positive approach, and positive psychology is well suited to lead it.

I present such an approach in: the blog post Your Power Over Addiction, the video You Have Power Over Your Happy Brain Chemicals, and the book Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain your brain to boost your serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphin levels

About the author: Loretta Breuning, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Management at California State University, East Bay and the author of The Science of Positivity and Habits of a Happy Brain. She’s Founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, which offers a wide range of resources that help you build power over your mammalian brain chemistry. Check it out at InnerMammalInstitute.org

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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