Positive Psychology advocates the cultivation of positive emotions this is possible through the process of association of absorbing rich literature. Positive psychology refers to this as a form of flourishing behaviour. The novel aim of poetic therapeutic methods is to experience flourishing behaviours through the following ways: flow experiences, building upon positive social relationships, cultivating a sense of meaning or purpose in life and broadening ones personal accomplishments with a positive growth mindset approach.

Bearing that in mind I shall convey my favourite poetry idols. Firstly, Rumi has a very higher functioning level of spirituality with the main purpose of conveying such meaningful words that opens your door to your soul “observe the wonders that occur around you” Rumi. This poetic simplistic phrase cultivates the need for you to embrace the beauty of the world through your eyes.

Then you have the magnificent Alama Iqbal with “reach for the sky in such heights that even destiny asks what do you require oh human” my favourite words of wisdom as they embed an inner motivation to succeed in life.

Then you have the magnificent William Shakespeare “The eyes are the window to your soul”. Such immense formidable words conveying many layers of meaning that unravel the authenticity of your being.

My sustenance of my soul Imam Ali AS “ I will be patient, until even patience tires of my patience.” The soulful words of wisdom that acquires a PURE mindset to really delve into the inner Positive Spiritual quest called the human quest for meaning

Poetic therapy within Positive Psychology

The most profound model is the Nicolas Mazza one defining poetry therapy as receptive/prescriptive, expressive/creative and symbolic/ceremonial. The initiation of introducing poetic literature is demonstrated within the receptive/prescriptive component. The expressive/creative component entails creative writing thus empowering the individual to express their authentic emotions giving strength to one’s inner self. The symbolic/ceremonial component entails encompassing the utilisation of metaphors, storytelling and ritual thus acquiring these amazing methods to express oneself in an adaptive manner (Mazza, N 2003). The three-dimensional approach to cultivating a positive mindset through Poetry is very invigorating indeed.

Worldwide Positive Poetry Platform

The National Poetry Library has many exuberating resources and membership is free.  The Poetry Book Society is another positive platform to share rich poetic literature reaching to a very huge audience. The purpose of enriching literature is to cultivate flow experiences and ignite the vital ingredients for creating flourishing behaviours for all. Let’s start our Positive Poetic pathway for Positive Wellbeing for all.

This piece of writing is dedicated to my favourite poet Alama Iqbal my inner motivational passion for poetry.

References:

Adam M. Croom (2015) The practice of poetry and the psychology of well-being, Journal of Poetry Therapy, 28:1, 21-41, DOI: 1080/08893675.2015.980133

https://quotefancy.com/quote/97820/Allama-Iqbal-Khudi-ko-kar-buland-itna-ke-har-taqder-se-pehle-Khuda-bande-se-khud-pooche

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/poetry-therapy

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/468726273693232878/

https://www.poetrybooks.co.uk/

https://www.zazzle.co.uk/rumi_the_wonders_postcard-239837959031668778

Mazza, N. (2003).Poetry therapy: Theory and practice. New York: Brunner-Routledge.

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Hope is defined as “to want something to happen and think it is possible” Oxford Dictionary.  Leading psychologist within the field of hope convey that it’s a three-part process visualise your goal, find Positive pathways to accomplish them and keep going (Lopez et al., 2004). The effective attitude towards a more progressive emergence of hope in a cognitive nature of hope advocates the cultivation of positive emotions for the successful pursuit of goals (Snyder and his colleagues, 2002).

The novel theology of hope is well defined by the layers of emotional/mental ability that triggers the key elements of ability with energy to accomplish one’s goals (Snyder, 2002). The process of building and broadening the notion of hope has been eloquently devised by a leading Positive Psychologist Barbara Frederickson into a Hope portfolio. The hope portfolio is a four-tier process initiating the first process being hopeful/optimistic, believing a change for good, physically changing for humane betterment and to access your creative ability for a better future (Fredrickson, 2009).

The formation of hope in terms of character strength is a vital asset in self-development as it looks upon positive relationships, physical well-being, active problem-solving and diligence (Niemiec, R.M. (2014a). Finally, the great Dr Paul T P Wong defines hope as “Hope has no shape, no colour, and no words. It is just an illusion, a flicker of light that refuses to go away” (Wong, P 2014).

Positive Psychology Practitioner Roles

Psychologist, health professional and Positive Psychology Practitioners can cultivate hope in a cohesive systematic manner coming together with their subject knowledge for the betterment of humanity. A Global Positive Hope Platform must be established if we are to foresee humanity through this Global pandemic with a more balanced population that will embrace Positive coping mechanisms through these difficult times. Positive Psychology Practitioners can identify good agencies whereby the public can access and be facilitators for better psychological mindset. Furthermore more liaison with community workers, politicians, professionals and like-minded people to accomplish a better version of a flourishing society.

Global Positive Hope Platform

The formation of a Positive Global Platform is essential in these challenging times organisations such as WHO, UN and Global Hope Coalition. These organisations are very much the core elements of some kind of functioning role of implementing Hope within our world. I hope that a more cohesive and harmonious Global Hope Platform can be formed on the basis of a humane cultivation of humanity as Positive Wellbeing Association is passionate about Positive Wellbeing for all (2020)

(This piece of writing is dedicated to my parents Syed Manzoor Hussain shah, Syeda Mumtaz Begum Shah, my children Syed Zafar Abbas Shah and Syeda Amira Fizza Shah).

References:

Change Your Life With Positive Psychology, Charlotte Style, 2011, Pearson Education Limited.

Character Strengths Interventions, A Field Guide for Practitioners, hogrefe, 2018.

Positive Psychology In Nutshell: The Science of happiness, Iiona Boniwell, Third Edition, 2012.

Positivity Groundbreaking Research To Release Your Inner Optimist and Thrive, Martin E.P. Seligman.

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What is PURE in Plato’s words “Blessed are the pure of heart (hoi katharoi te karda), for they shall see God” (Boyle, M, O, 2002). Then you have the PURE model advocating the four processes whereby a meaningful existence can be acquired through Purpose, Understanding, Responsible actionn and enjoyment/evaluation (Wong, 2010,2011). Thereafter the PERMA model advocates cultivation of Positive emotions, engagement in one’s environment, building Positive relationships, implementing meaningful tasks and identifying one’s accomplishments (Seligman, 2011). The purpose of the models is to provide a framework in which people can cultivate a holistic Positive Wellbeing allowinhuman beings to purposefully acquire a more meaningful vision of optimal psychological well being. You have a key three-dimensional outlook on Positive well being with the PURE, PERMA and philosophical religious elements act as key driving forces for a more wholesome Positive well being for all attribute.

What Positive Psychology Practitioners can do elevate Psychological Wellbeing

The purpose of Positive Psychology practitioners is to apply their expertise to build positive organisations and societies for the betterment of humanity for a more flourishing Global world. Some positive practices are volunteering your time to support the community through email/telephone support, building Positive Communication hubs whereby like-minded people can share their feelings, offering help to local community groups and political parties who are conducting tasks for the community.

What do we learn from COVID-19?

Family, friends and good work colleagues matter as building Positive relations is the core key foundation for cultivating pure motivational driving forces that harbour you through adverse circumstances. The following meaningful activities further enhance your Positive Wellbeing with the implementation of meditation or listening to religious sermons does indeed boost your inner psychological peace. The acquisition of acquiring a Positive adaptive mindset entails the cultivation of three positive emotions for every one negative emotion so as to be mindful in balancing your psychological well being. Creating Positive communication hubs for your Positive emotions to be communicated is essential to one’s Positive well being also.

Let’s start a Positive Global Platform which cultivates Positive Wellbeing for all as it is much needed for the Unity, Peace and humanity of our mere existence on this world.

References

A toolkit for happiness, purpose and well being, Positive Psychology, Bridget Grenville-Cleave (2016).

The Positive Psychology of Meaning in Life and Well-Being

Lopez, S.J & Snyder, C, R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Lyubomirsky, S (2010), The How of Happiness, A practical guide to Getting the Life You Want, London, UK: Piatkus.

Marjorie O’Rourke Boyle. (2002). Pure of Heart: From Ancient Rites to Renaissance Plato. Journal of the History of Ideas, 63(1), 41-62. doi:10.2307/3654257

Seligman, M (2011), Flourish, Nicholas Brealey Publishing

About the author: Fizza Shah

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People

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What do human’s search for when they search for spirituality? Zinnbauer & Paragament (2005, Pg 611) have suggested that it is “a quest for existential meaning, to the transcendent human dimension” meaning that individual seek meaning in life with freedom and choice.

The quest for spirituality has been explored by positive psychologist in context of spirituality processes as being cultural (cf.Shafranske & Malony, 1996) an engagement in prayer, importance of religion to individuals and evidence-based studies that associate spirituality for better well being human functioning. The key constructs of spirituality have the following elements such as the perception of the divine God and the concept that humans being are beyond their normal experiences (Pargament & Mahoney, 2005). Furthermore,  spiritual processes such as praying and meditation have been strongly associated with better wellbeing with a more adaptive coping ability too as they view life through the scared perspective (Koenig, McCullough & Mahoney, 2005).

The search for scared one is a 5 part spiritual processes divided into the following discovery, conservation, transformation, spiritual integration and disintegration. The process have been identified as the discovery: evolving mindest, conservation: once you have discovered the sacred one then to sustain it is the next process involving social involvements, transformation: the emergence of oneself in spiritual pathways display spiritual resilience. Spiritual Integration: the notion is associated with individuals who pray, meditate and enter holy places of worship experience better wellbeing  (Koenig, Mccullough, & Larson, 2001; Pargament, 1997; Pargament & Mahoney, 2005). Disintegration: spiritual process that have a negative effect upon human well being.  On reflection the processes are a personal journey an individual conducts thus allowing self-development to take place within a framework of spiritual pathways.

Empirical studies have advocated that religion and spirituality can be conferred in a subjective or social manner to cultivate well being (Zinnbauer & Pargament, 2005). The notion of the search for the sacred indicates that the attainment of spirituality is a search process in which an individual chooses to pursue. So many variant pathways can be explored in the search of the meaningful sacred one. The process of spirituality can be incorporated within creativity, wisdom, forgiveness, meaning, hope humility providing imperative pathways to pursuing the sacred ones (Shane  J Lopez & C R Snyder, 2009). The process of finding ones sacred one is an adaptive and evolving spirituality process (Robert Coles (1990, p.335).

Positive Psychology Practitioners

The need to answer your inner spirituality call is much needed in today’s climate and the process starts from the 5 part processes to approaches defined within religious literature. I explored the Mystical approach which considers the process of self-building as a journey towards Allah. It builds upon the relationship of the soul and self-building like you would beautify a home with beautiful furnishing, one would furnish one’s heart with good character strengths. This process is truly a divine positive intervention with the potential to filter into answering one’s quest for spirituality in an authentic manner.

The future of Spirituality

The cohesion of social scientist, health, mental professionals and I feel religious scholars, should make it a positive process of developing a psychospiritual intervention that builds upon spiritual resources into clinical practices. I look forward to such an intervention and feel as Positive Psychology Practitioners should use the spiritual processes to build a foundation to elevate depression, cultivate meaning and joining local spiritual organisations as a step in the right direction. In addition organisations such as the Kings Centre in High Wycombe and the KSIMC of London provide a spiritual platform. I feel a more evidence-based model shall make practitioner within the field of Positive  Psychology more equipped to attend to everyone’s psychological Positive Wellbeing steering us closer to the target of worldwide well being by 2051 for all.

References

Mohammad Ali Shomail, (2016) Self Development, Essays on Islamic Spirituality.

Lopez, S.J & Snyder, C, R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

About the author: Fizza Shah

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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Earlier philosophers state how courage is an essential virtue which floats between cowardice and rashness (Aristotle, 350 BCE/1999).  The changing face of courage has shifted from support for a diminishing cause viewed as heroic, to a non adaptive method of thinking (Barczewski, 2008; Knight & Saal, 1986). Primary courage research advocates that the process of courage entails overriding one emotion over another for example love, honour, and duty would overcome anger.

Researchers have further commented on the topic by implementing that is one is labelled as courageous it steers them towards personal growth (Finfgeld, 1999). With other stating that courageous behaviours lead to self confidence and selfless love leading to repetition of courageous behaviours (Castro, 2006). In addition it is proven by research that courageous behaviours benefits others by kindness (Faigin-Jones & Midlarsky, 2007; Pury & Kowalski, 2007) and altruistic

Positive Psychology incorporates courage into the Values in Action category as a bravery virtue meaning that you persevere, finishing ones tasks, integrity and acquiring positive energy for your task at hand (Pury & Kawalski, 2007). Measuring courage within the Positive Psychology is completed within the Values in Action inventory of strengths VIA-IS, (Peterson & Seligman, 2004)

How can Positive Psychology Practitioners use Courage?

Researchers state that believing in ones courage actually boosts courageous behaviours building upon ones self perception (Boyd and Ross, 1994). Others suggest that identifying ones self as a courageous person cultivates self growth (Finfgeld, 1999). In addition others propose a battlemind model of courage advocating courageous actions that cultivate self confidence and selfless love (Castro, 2006). The battlemind model can be incorporated by Positive Psychology Practitioners in cases of phobia’s, lack of self confidence, depression, loneliness, stress in providing Positive adaptive coping mechanisms for experiencing these negative emotions. Thus striving for a Positive Psychology Intervention would be implemented in order to avoid maladaptive coping mechanisms such as smoking or drinking. The NHS recommends cognitive behavioural therapies and counselling to boost self esteem (NHS, 2017).

Future of Courage

The future of courage research needs further research but one thing is determined is that by observing courageous actions determines more repetition of such behaviours. A more systematic approach is needed to acquire knowledge regarding practices, models; measures and succinct definitions are needed. Countries should have associations that acknowledge bravery and publishes them as an observational platform to encourage others to repeat bravery behaviours within our world. The Australian Bravery Association consists government officials providing nominations and awards to cultivate good citizenship (The Australian Bravery Association, 1991).  Good governance of a Positive practice indeed that advocates Positive Well being for all.

References

Lopez,S.J & Snyder,C,R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

http://www.forbravery.org.au/about/

About the author: Fizza Shah

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

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What is positive education? Well it is perceived in Positive Psychology as positive emotions and attitudes derived from subjective wellbeing student’s experiences within their schooling environment. So how would we create a school environment whereby you have the opportunities to experience positive affect (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985) ? . The fundamental goal of positive education is to promote flourishing or positive mental health within the school community.” (Norrish et. al., 2013).  Positive Psychology advocates that the younger years of a child are the optimal functioning period of childhood to cultivate healthy Subjective Well being habits. It goes  further  with the broaden and build model proposed by Barbara Fredrickson (2001) explores this notion by advocating upon the implementation of play/exploration thought and action repertoire behaviours within children thus promoting adaptive positive behaviours. Over a period of time a child learns to develop a range of personal resources as positive social relationships, flexiable coping behaviours and learning opportunities with many positive effect experiences builds an abundance of personal resources.

The importance of having certain acquired personal characteristics such as self esteem (Karatzias et al., 2002), academic self efficacy (Vekuyten & Thisjs, 2002) intrinsic motivation (Gilman & Anderman, 2006) hope (Huebner & Gilman, 2006) and external locus control (gilman & Anderman, 2006) have been suggested as contributing factors for students to experience optimal levels of school satisfaction. Other behavioural factors are enganging in extracurriculum activities (Gilman, 2001) building social competent skills (Eamon, 2002) and positive life experiences (Huebner and McCullough, 2000). Teacher-classroom factors that effect student life satisfaction are as followed support/structure provided to students for engagement and participation in schools (Furrer & Skinner, 2003; Wentzel, 1998) strict classroom rules cultivate school satisfaction (Baker,Dilly, Aupperlee, & Patil, 2003). In addition promotion of choice and autonomy (Karatzias et al., 2002) advocating a task-orientated

Subjective Wellbeing has been incorporated as reoccurring Positive Affect (PA) experiences such as joy, excitement and a tendency of experiencing life satisfaction within the following areas of life family life in cohersion with schooling too (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985). The notion of Positive schools has been built upon the concept of optimising Subjective Well being experiences through building and broadening (Fredrickson,2001) Positive affect emotions. This concept is implemented through play and explores activities advocating adaptive subjective wellbeing behaviours. By repeating such behaviours a collective adaptation would allow the children to build a personal range of resources thorough learning opportunities, social relationships and adaptive coping behaviours.

Collaborative professional development of practitioners

Positive Psychology practitioners can make a real difference by implementing Positive Psychology Interventions by boosting teaching staff well being and empowering institutions advocating swb by cultivating psychsocial strengths, in addition to academic learning thus allowing them to embrace wellness approaches. In positive psychology there are many action for happiness strategies that feed the overall PERMA well being model, which can be incorporated into the curriculum can be referred to as Positive well being lessons.

Where do we go with Positive Education ?

Organizations such as IPEN the international Positive Education Network is the collaboration of great minds such as Martin Seligman and Lord James O’shaughnessy advocating Positive Education. Promising positive elements were drawn from this meeting one advocating double helix model of positive education about character & wellbeing and IPEN was created to connect people over the world with great ideas, people and projects

References: Lopez, S.J & Snyder, C, R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

About the author: Fizza Shah

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Everyone knows love is good for you but what does positive psychology say about. Let’s kick start the process of love with some philosophical references such as Irving Singer (1984) who conceptualised it with as a concept associated with virtuous attributes such as goodness and Godly attributes. Further differentiating it into four components: “Eros”: desire for the beautiful, “Philia”: companionship love, “Nomos”: obedience to ones loved one, and “Agape”: preference of love over spirituality. The variant levels of love are very interesting and divulge humans into thinking about love in a very comprehensive manner.

What is passionate love? Another external expression of the feeling of love Hatfield (1988) proposed the true essence of passionate love is an intense attraction that’s entails marriage to that individual. Others extend this element that compassion, passion, satisfaction, friendship and commitment are elements of love too (Sprecher and Regan, 1998). The Zeitgeist of understanding love within an applied adult love attachment theory states that joys and sorrows of childhood come prevalent within adult love experiences (Hazan and Shaver, 1987).

The evolutionary theorist postulates that survival of species is dependent upon pro creation and attending to the helpless infant so as to build primitive emotional bonding (Mellen, 1981). Research into love has found that love, companionship, honesty, trust as main features of the notion of love (Regan, Kocan and Whitlock (1998). Others state that the process of love may motivate an inner self expansion process within the individual (Aron and Aron, 1996). Sternberg (1998) is a process of personal social construction which is experienced through life experiences.

The notion of love has been linked to happiness and positive wellbeing as human is group orientated species that need to belong (Myers and Diener, 1995). The renowned psychologist Barbara Fredrickson postulates love is a moment in which you experience warmth and connection with another being naming it Positivity Resonance. Positivity Resonance is a three part process you mirror each other’s behaviours, biochemistry and impulsive care for one another. Love and respect have layers which have been identified as attention, curiosity, dialog, empowerment, healing and self respect Lawrence-Lightfoot (2000). Gender differences have been identified as men are more susceptible to lucid behaviours and women are more prone to practical friendship gestures (C.Hendrick & Hendrick, 1986).

Collaboration of positive psychology practices

The purpose of couple therapist professionals counselling psychologist, clinical psychologists, pastoral counsellors, marriage and family therapist is to listen, respect, understand and cultivate effective communication between couples. The basic principles of counsellors is to develop dialogue that expresses authentic feelings, motivate effective communication between couples, embrace reflective accounts of challenges/processes of change among the people concerned, encourage autonomy, exchange relevant information, boost communication, set clear goals and objectives. The common core principles of relationships entail the following respect, empathy, tact, consent, confidentiality, accountability, expertise and practitioner facilitation of less conflictive behaviour with more solution based behaviour.

Relationship therapist need to take upon some Positivity Resonance tasks within their normal practices to acquire optimal level of love functioning within human relationships. I do indeed feel that in coherence to these imperative principles a Positivity Resonance approach collaborated within this framework will provide a more current form of couple therapy.

The future for love research

The future of love in Positive Psychology is imperative in understanding close relationships and clinical Psychology postulates that knowledge of love is compulsory for therapist to practice within their field (Bergner, 2000). Large body of research advocates that love does indeed prolong human life and is good for your Positive Well being with a gender bias advocating men are the superior Beneficial’s of this notion. With recent researchers such as Barbara Fredrickson defining the science of love as a Positive resonance with experiences of shared positivity amplified by the people physiological reactions and behaviours. This notion is very plausible and provides a good framework for further research to be conducted which could actually entail brain scans of people who display Positive resonance behaviours. I leave you with the thought love does indeed make the world go around even the science behind it proves this.

References:
– Acevedo, B.P., Aron A., Fisher, H. E, & Brown, L. (2012). Neural correlates of long-term intense romantic love. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 7, 145-159.
– Aron, A., Norman, C. C., Aron, E. N., McKenna, C., & Heyman, R. (2000). Couples shared participation in novel and arousing activities and experienced relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78, 273-283.
– Barbara, L. Frederickson (2013) Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become. Hudson Street Press.
– Snyder, C.R. & Lopez, S, L. (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology. Oxford University Press.
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couples_therapy
– https://positivepsychologytraining.co.uk/2017/02/liberate-love/
– https://www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org/find-counsellor/types-of-therapy/
– https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201203/5-principles-effective-couples-therapy

About the author: To find out more about Fizza Shah, please click here.

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The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
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8-week online Happiness Course

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Collaborative practices for professionals

So can these notions of well being incorporated within the professional arena? I feel so as the collaboration of such concepts is a way forward for health professionals, counsellors, community workers, and psychologist. These frameworks recommended for a positive wellbeing are evidence-based and provide a scope for professionals to become more informed within their working environments. Knowledge is a tool for bettering oneself and for practising professionals to excel within their fields they must move closer to Martin Seligman’s goal of worldwide wellbeing increasing it by 51% by 2051.

The future for eudaimonic wellbeing

I feel practising eudaimonic wellbeing evidence-based practices like the PERMA and the Ryff model will equip the workforce, mental health patients, families, elderly, children will equip society to become a more people based with the world to potentially flourish. The purpose of eudaimonic wellbeing is to ensure everlasting happiness with the incentive to transfer the goodness it cultivates to a more positive self. The future strives to take on the outlook of positive wellbeing for professionals, society and the world with the incorporation of eudaimonic practices within every part of our organisations, communities and our personal life’s. The practices provide a good foundation for people to become more affluent in practicing positive wellbeing so enabling them to make a change for good.

Increasing worldwide wellbeing

Martin Seligman has developed a World Wellbeing Project analysing language on social media platforms with the purpose of providing an insight into individual wellbeing to shape companies and help policy makers to make the right policies that match individual needs. The notion is a magnificent way to analyse worldwide wellbeing with a accessible method of research in which you can analyse what can be conducted within a systematic approach of analysing social media communications signposting us towards a very good insight into positive wellbeing. Is positive wellbeing possible? It is if you are using the frameworks such as the PERMA or the Ryff model and implementing all aspects of the theory within your life with a positive intention allows every individual to move close to a more Positive Wellbeing.

About the author: To find out more about Fizza Shah, please click here.

References
* Lopez, S.J & Snyder, C, R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS. * http://www.wwbp.org/people.html

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Positive psychology has divided motivation into two sub fields’ intrinsic: inbuilt human attributes to pursue virtuousness and extrinsic: pursuing an activity for an alternative outcome, thus highlighting variant forms of motivational triggers. The self-determination theory formalises the four tenets of motivation being external: tasks driven by outside forces, introjected: self regulation of emotions conducting activities to avoid guilt, pressure, anxiety, identified: conducting imperative task regardless of it not being joyful and integrated: conducting tasks as they adhere to our values (Ryan & Deci, 2000). On a healthy motivational continuum the more we develop our intrinsic motivation the less likely we are to be forced to do things we did not want to. Autonomy is an important factor in finding your intrinsic motivation and so are competences, relatedness that form an overall driving force in finding your extrinsic motivation. The self-concordance model advocates well being as being much superior entity when individuals identify, amalgamate, implement intrinsic motivations within themselves in co coordinating their life goals (Sheldon, 1994).

Evidence based research supports this notion and postulates that the model does indeed promote well being through attending to an individual’s innate psychological requirements (Boniwell, 2006). Some interesting perceptions of motivational strategies have been developed as the following recommended five dimensional steps: trust: fostering positive relationships, reward system: promotes healthy competition reinforcing good behaviours, recognition; appreciation of accomplishments, career advancement: opening up opportunities for high performers is a good incentive to do well and happiness: reacting reasons to be happy (LMA, 1972).
A further 12 strategies have been recommended as helping individuals to cultivate motivation, they are as followed: setting goals, rewarding steps towards your goal, be adaptive to challenges, acquire a positive mindset, announce your goals so as to acquire support, reject distractions, visualise positive imagery, reflect, implement inspirational quotes, seek professional help for psychological or physical issues and practice self care (Allegheny college, 2018). More is gained from utilising motivational strategies and how individuals implement or best suit them is a bit of trial and error process. Thus these recommended strategies, I feel could be used visually, auditory and kinaesthetically as personally, I love auditory motivational music that suits my mood whereby helps me to complete a task at hand.

Collaborative use of motivational strategies for professionals

Presenting a treatment plan for patients is half of the battle for doctors the adherence to the plan and patient motivation is a key issue for positive well being. The patient must pursue an intrinsically motivated mindset and supportive family members should provide extrinsic motivational triggers for the patient. A collaboration of treatment and patient/family positive motivational psychological support enables the patient to function in an optimal manner (Heath, 2017). Counsellors take a more paternalistic approach to motivational counselling giving a more directive style of counselling involving instructions, information on health related behaviours and setting SMART goals (Eufic, 2010). Other person-centred counsellors implement the motivational interviewing technique to nurture people through the process of change and commit to it too (Psychology Today, 2018).

The future of motivation

APS: Association for Psychological Sciences a collaborative platform for psychologist to share research. Whereby an article on motivation found evidence based research reinforced the notion that dramatic team work can lead to higher levels of perseverance and engagement leading to higher levels of performance (Carr, & Walton, 2014).
A more collaborative effort should be made by psychologist to form a society that deals with motivation and accessibility of resources that highlight importance value research on human beings today with evidence based proven motivational triggers. A consensus should be established on what motivates individuals by implementing motivational strategies that promote positive well being.

References
https://leadershipmanagement.com.au/motivate-and-dominate-5-motivation-strategies-to-increase-productivity/
https://patientengagementhit.com/news/top-4-patient-motivation-techniques-for-health-improvement
https://sites.allegheny.edu/deanofstudents/wellness-education/todays-topic/12-strategies-for-motivation-that-work/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/motivational-interviewing
Lopez, S.J & Snyder, C, R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.
Positive Psychology in a Nutshell: The Science of happiness, IIona Boniwell, third edition, Open University Press, 2012.
Rollnick S et al. (2005). Consultations about changing behaviour. BMJ 331:961-963.
Rubak S et al. (2005). Motivational interviewing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of General Practice 55: 305-312.

About the author: To find out more about Fizza Shah, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

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Positive psychology advocates human flourishing (Seligman, 1998), which also directs us towards changing our bad habits into good habits for the purpose of optimal wellbeing. Thus building self belief into a pro active self efficacy human trait is an imperative tool for positivity to take place in society today. Depression has overcome individuals to such an extent that is has become a growing epidemic disease. How do you overcome such unhealthy thoughts and what does positive psychology present to us to overcome this epidemic?

The most pioneering self-efficacy theory advocates that “people’s beliefs in their capabilities to produce desired effects by their own actions” (Bandura, 1997, p.vii). The whole process of cultivating self efficacy takes variant pathways that entail adaptive psychological skills and self regulated behavioural modification strategies. These two distinctive positive pathway methods cultivate positive belief behaviours within humans. Thus postulating that these strategies actually allow humans to accomplish their core psychological and physical well being, Evidence based research has found self efficacy as a core factor in changing unhealthy behaviours into healthy behaviours (Maddux & Rogers, 1983: Rogers & Prentice-Dunn, 1997).

In light of some recent high profile cases of high depression resulting in diminished well being have explores some self help measures. Some present day thinkers advocate that the following strategies must be practiced in accordance for self belief to be accomplished: demonstrate adaptive behaviour, be reflective in events of mistakes, avoid blame, self compassion, act confident and above all practice these in your daily life (Hope & Butler, 2007). Furthermore a lack of self belief has strong implications for poor wellbeing (Bandura, 1997). Thus signposting us towards a self regulating our self efficacy human trait as a protective factor in managing our wellbeing in a positive manner. Three components of self efficacy have been identified: goal performance, self evaluation in accordance to goal performance and self efficacy beliefs (Barone et al., 1997).

Recent thinkers propose 12 step techniques to elevate self confidence through: identify your positive side, do not listen to negative people, don’t be bothered by small matters, embrace praise, be active, lift you head, maintain a good posture, think positive, talk with confidence, do not boast, acquire new knowledge, diminish negativity and manage yourself (Zoe, B, 2012). Furthermore others have a more simpler approach such as changing yourself talk methods to positive ones, foresee to adaptively cope with adversities, try self talking, positive body posture and perceiving people as humans who have variant facets to them not feeling threatened by them at all (Dr Thompson, 2014). Also more self help is needed in collaboration with positive psychotherapy thus guiding us towards meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy and self regulatory self help measures which would be vital in enhancing ones well being.

Collaborative use of Self Believe Strategies for Professionals

I feel healthcare professionals can try to test new evidence based self efficacy strategies such as the 12 step techniques and five step techniques in collaboration to their current professional procedures. I feel positive psychology has so much more to offer and with increasing depression levels in society we need more positive interventions be it through home, family, educational sector, healthcare sector, mental wellbeing charities and government we need to focus upon a mutual goal of positive well being for all.

The healthcare industry has lots of information regarding building self belief, the NHS recommends the following tips: identify your positive points, build positive relationships, practice self compassion, exercise assertiveness, learn to say no and give yourself a challenge. Furthermore the following podcast by Dr Chris Williams gives a realistic account of self help advisory guidance for people with low self esteem (to access go on https://www.nhs.uk/Video/Pages/unhelpful-thinking-podcast.aspx).

The future of self belief

I feel some core positive psychology thinkers that cultivate evidence based self help positive interventions can change our present lack of clarity in the field of positive wellbeing. The steps needed to boost happiness (Lyubormirsky, 2007), enhance strengths (Seligman & Parks, 1999) need to be built and repeated if optimal wellbeing is to be achieved. Most recently at the European Positive Psychology Conference in Budapest, Dr Rashid, presents the notion of integration of negative symptoms with a amalgamation of one’s strengths can reduce fear in oneself leading to self efficacy thus self belief (Rashid, 2018).

Some organisations have started such this positive advancement of self as the National Self Esteem Association forwarding a notion of self concept being a combination of values, social interactions, beliefs, abilities and goals. The latest insight into positive wellbeing is the worldwide wellbeing project conducted by martin Seligman, (ongoing) analysing social media posts for the purpose of psychological wellbeing thus developing accurate psychological profiles of users well being. This is in collaboration of healthcare professionals, policy makers thus advancing us towards positive well being for all by 2051.

References
http://healthyselfesteem.org/
http://sourcesofinsight.com/six-guiding-strategies-to-build-up-your-self-confidence/
http://www.wwbp.org/about.html
https://simplelifestrategies.com/confidence/?cn-reloaded=1
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/raising-low-self-esteem/
Lopez, S.J & Snyder, C, R, (2011) The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, Second edition, New York, United States of America, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Managing Your Mind: the Mental Fitness Guide, Gillian Butler, Ph.D., and Tony Hope, M.D., write about six ways to improve your confidence.
Prochaska, J., Prochaska, j, (2016). Changing to Thrive: Using the Stages of Change to Overcome the Top Threats to Your Health and Happiness. Hazelden Publishing. USA.
Rashid, R., (2018). The European Positive Psychology Conference, Budapest. Social Media.
Seligman, Martin. Learned Optimism. New York, NY: Pocket Books. 1998.
The How of Happiness, A practical guide to Getting the life You Want, Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2011, Piakus.

About the author: To find out more about Fizza Shah, please click here.

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