“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t” -Rikki Rogers
Before Taking Positive Psychology I was not sure what to think about Positive Psychology. I truly thought it was going to be a class where we were going to learn to be more positive. Not in a million years did I think I was actually going to learn about things that I can use the feature to become a more positive and happy person.
Building Strengths to Achieve Goals
I had many Ah-Ha moments. However, the one that I remember and that I connected with the most is when we talked about focusing on our strengths. Before taking this class, I always tried to do my best but when things did not happen how I wanted it to, I would be very disappointed and discouraged. I spent more time focusing on what did not go as planned rather than on what did. We did one class activity where we changed a small habit or create a new habit.
Doing this exercise showed me that taking small steps and focusing on what I can do and change actually helped me achieved my goals. When I focused on my strengths and on what I had accomplished every day, whether it was big or small, and celebrate those accomplishments, I felt better. Additionally, I was able to get to my end goal as supposed to just looking at the big picture and getting down when I wasn’t accomplishing my goal.
Using Strengths to Build a More Positive Life
Positive Psychology opened my eyes to positivity in general. I was so used to being down about the things that I could not control that I forgot about the things that I can control. I did have control of things that I can change to help me be a better happier person. Being more positive and trying to focus more on positivity helps me have a positive impact on others. It also helps me connect to people in different ways.
About the author: Daniela Erskine is a Full-time student at Chaminade. She is currently in the Air Force Reserve. She loves to take photos, listen to music and spend time with her husband and dogs. She’s pursuing a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Daniela hopes to one day work with people helping them improve their lives.