Making Positive Psychology Work

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of Psychology at the University of California - Riverside. Her research on the science of happiness has been the recipient of many honors. She is a best-selling author of the books The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want and The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn't, What Shouldn't Make You Happy, but Does.

In this conversation, you will hear Sonja share her thoughts and findings on happiness. Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interactions work. Sonja also talks about some of the myths of happiness, which is the topic of her latest book. She talks about the identification process to determine which interactions may work for individuals. She also talks about happiness in group dynamics, specifically the workplace. Sonja must present these interventions in various ways, depending on the environment and situation and she explains how she does that.

Connect with Sonja Lyubomirsky:

Website: http://sonjalyubomirsky.com/

• [01:57] - Sonja shares what she hopes attendees gain from her presentations on happiness. Sonja says that it is possible to become happier.
• [03:06] - Happiness is a broad term and Sonja describes how she defines the term.
• [04:07] - Sonja's talks about the short-term and long-term improvements people can make with happiness. She explains that short-term happiness is easier to achieve than long-term happiness.
• [05:10] - Sonja describes the benefits of people being happy in the workplace. She also explains why it's not a good thing to be "too happy" in the workplace.
• [06:46] - Sonja lists a few interventions that people can use in the workplace to become happier at work.
• [08:38]- Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interventions work. She talks about gratitude and the role that factors like culture and dosage play a role.
• [10:37] - In her book, The How of Happiness, Sonja provides a survey to help determine which interventions might work for individuals. She talks about this identification process.
• [13:04] - Sonja shares some of the myths of happiness.
• [15:32] - Sonja talks about the idea of happiness and well-being in social environments and with each other in various relationships.
• [16:50] - Happiness shouldn't be forced on anyone. Sonja talks about situations where happiness interventions aren't the right strategy.
• [19:11] - Sonja explains how she presents these interventions in different types of workplaces.
• [20:00] - The Lightning Round with Sonja Lyubomirsky

• The International Positive Psychology Association's 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology
• Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life - Dacher Keltner
• The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence - Dacher Keltner
• The Art of Happiness - Dalai Lama
• The Undoing Process: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds - Michael Lewis

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

Special thanks to Sonja for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of Psychology at the University of California - Riverside. Her research on the science of happiness has been the recipient of many honors.  She is a best-selling author of the books The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want and The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does.

In this conversation, you will hear Sonja share her thoughts and findings on happiness.  Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interactions work.  Sonja also talks about some of the myths of happiness, which is the topic of her latest book.  She talks about the identification process to determine which interactions may work for individuals.  She also talks about happiness in group dynamics, specifically the workplace.  Sonja must present these interventions in various ways, depending on the environment and situation and she explains how she does that.  

Connect with Sonja Lyubomirsky:

Website: http://sonjalyubomirsky.com/

• [01:57] - Sonja shares what she hopes attendees gain from her presentations on happiness. Sonja says that it is possible to become happier.
• [03:06] - Happiness is a broad term and Sonja describes how she defines the term.  
• [04:07] - Sonja’s talks about the short-term and long-term improvements people can make with happiness.  She explains that short-term happiness is easier to achieve than long-term happiness.
• [05:10] - Sonja describes the benefits of people being happy in the workplace.  She also explains why it’s not a good thing to be “too happy” in the workplace.
• [06:46] - Sonja lists a few interventions that people can use in the workplace to become happier at work.
• [08:38]- Sonja shares some of her findings that prove that positive activity interventions work.  She talks about gratitude and the role that factors like culture and dosage play a role.
• [10:37] - In her book, The How of Happiness, Sonja provides a survey to help determine which interventions might work for individuals.  She talks about this identification process.
• [13:04] - Sonja shares some of the myths of happiness.
• [15:32] - Sonja talks about the idea of happiness and well-being in social environments and with each other in various relationships.
• [16:50] - Happiness shouldn’t be forced on anyone. Sonja talks about situations where happiness interventions aren’t the right strategy.
• [19:11] - Sonja explains how she presents these interventions in different types of workplaces.
• [20:00] - The Lightning Round with Sonja Lyubomirsky

• The International Positive Psychology Association’s 5th World Congress on Positive Psychology
• Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life - Dacher Keltner
• The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence - Dacher Keltner
• The Art of Happiness - Dalai Lama
• The Undoing Process: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds - Michael Lewis

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

Special thanks to Sonja for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Paula Davis Laack is a former practicing lawyer, an internationally published writer, media contributor, and a stress and resilience expert. She has designed and taught burnout prevention and resilience workshops for thousands of professionals around the world. She also taught resilience skills to more than 25,000 soldiers.

While a lot of people are familiar with the term "burnout", they don't know what it is and how it develops. In this conversation, you will hear Paula talk about burnout and how individuals can avoid it. She also discusses the strategies that organizations can implement to help team members avoid burnout.

Connect with Paula Davis Laack:

Website: http://pauladavislaack.com

• [01:55] - Paula explains why burnout is such an issue in workplaces, even though businesses have been addressing this issue for a long time.
• [03:45] - Paula defines "burnout" as a process of chronic stress. She explains the difference between stress and burnout.
• [05:18] - Paula addresses how individuals can avoid burnout. She provides a template to evaluate your burnout or potential burnout.
• [07:15] - The "I'm too busy" narrative is something Paula will be addressing in an upcoming blog post. This is something we need to be aware of and stop over-using.
• [07:44] - Paula talks about STRONG strategies.
• [09:22] - Small changes can make a huge differences. Paula talks about STOP, which is one of her favorite mindfulness techniques.
• [10:12] - Paula explains how to use passwords to move forward with your goals.
• [11:06] - Paula believes resilience skills can be very simple.
• [12:30] - Paula lists some things organizations can do to help employees avoid burnout.
• [15:56] - Paula says you can't be "too resilient". This is an important skill for people to have.
• [19:35] The Lightning Round with Paul Davis Laack

• Addicted to Busy: Your Blueprint for Burnout Prevention
• The Upside of Stress: Why Stress is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It - Kelly McGonical
• Kelly McGonical Ted Talk
• Daring Greatly - Brené Brown
• The Psychologically Healthy Workplace: Building a Win-Win Environment Organizations and Employees
• Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself - Kristin Neff

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

Special thanks to Paula for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Paula Davis Laack is a former practicing lawyer, an internationally published writer, media contributor, and a stress and resilience expert.  She has designed and taught burnout prevention and resilience workshops for thousands of professionals around the world. She also taught resilience skills to more than 25,000 soldiers.  

While a lot of people are familiar with the term “burnout”, they don’t know what it is and how it develops.  In this conversation, you will hear Paula talk about burnout and how individuals can avoid it. She also discusses the strategies that organizations can implement to help team members avoid burnout.

Connect with Paula Davis Laack:

Website: http://pauladavislaack.com

• [01:55] - Paula explains why burnout is such an issue in workplaces, even though businesses have been addressing this issue for a long time.
• [03:45] - Paula defines “burnout” as a process of chronic stress.  She explains the difference between stress and burnout.
• [05:18] - Paula addresses how individuals can avoid burnout.  She provides a template to evaluate your burnout or potential burnout.
• [07:15] - The “I’m too busy” narrative is something Paula will be addressing in an upcoming blog post.  This is something we need to be aware of and stop over-using.  
• [07:44] - Paula talks about STRONG strategies.
• [09:22] - Small changes can make a huge differences.  Paula talks about STOP, which is one of her favorite mindfulness techniques.
• [10:12] - Paula explains how to use passwords to move forward with your goals.
• [11:06] - Paula believes resilience skills can be very simple.
• [12:30] - Paula lists some things organizations can do to help employees avoid burnout.
• [15:56] - Paula says you can’t be “too resilient”.  This is an important skill for people to have.
• [19:35] The Lightning Round with Paul Davis Laack

• Addicted to Busy: Your Blueprint for Burnout Prevention
• The Upside of Stress: Why Stress is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It - Kelly McGonical
• Kelly McGonical Ted Talk
• Daring Greatly - Brené Brown
• The Psychologically Healthy Workplace: Building a Win-Win Environment Organizations and Employees
• Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself - Kristin Neff

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

Special thanks to Paula for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Carin Rockind is the creator of Purpose Girl, a movement to empower purpose-driven living. She is also a leading happiness expert who works with companies around the world, teaching real-life strategies to help people live to their fullest potential of success and well-being.

In this conversation, you will hear Carin talk about purpose. Carin explains why purpose is a verb. She describes how you can find purpose in your life, even in existing situations. She also talks about purpose in the workplace and how leaders can help individuals find more purpose in their work.

Connect with Carin Rockind:

Website: CarinRockind.com

• [01:15] - Carin believes purpose is the driving force behind who we are. She explains why purpose is so important.
• [02:32] - Carin explains why it's so difficult people to discover their purpose.
• [05:19] - Carin talks about finding purpose in your existing situation.
• [11:00] - "Start where you are." Carin talks about how the start the process of identifying and working towards your purpose and what lights you up.
• [12:38] - If you are unable to "start where you are" in your company, Carin explains other venues that you can use.
• [13:28] - Carin encourages you to not hide your passions.
• [16:39] - Carin describes how leaders can help individuals find more purpose in their work.
• [20:30] - Carin says we can't have too much purpose because it leads to life satisfaction. However, it can lead to obsession, which impacts other areas of our lives.
• [23:15] - The Lightning Round with Carin Rockind.

Your Resources:

• F Midlife
• Strength Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow - Gallup & Tom Rath
• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life - Jen Sincero
• The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are - Brene Brown
• Brene Brown Ted Talks

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

Special thanks to Carin for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Carin Rockind is the creator of Purpose Girl, a movement to empower purpose-driven living.  She is also a leading happiness expert who works with companies around the world, teaching real-life strategies to help people live to their fullest potential of success and well-being.  

In this conversation, you will hear Carin talk about purpose. Carin explains why purpose is a verb. She describes how you can find purpose in your life, even in existing situations.  She also talks about purpose in the workplace and how leaders can help individuals find more purpose in their work.

Connect with Carin Rockind:

Website: CarinRockind.com

• [01:15] - Carin believes purpose is the driving force behind who we are. She explains why purpose is so important.
• [02:32] - Carin explains why it’s so difficult people to discover their purpose.
• [05:19] - Carin talks about finding purpose in your existing situation.  
• [11:00] - “Start where you are.”  Carin talks about how the start the process of identifying and working towards your purpose and what lights you up.
• [12:38] - If you are unable to “start where you are” in your company, Carin explains other venues that you can use.
• [13:28] - Carin encourages you to not hide your passions.  
• [16:39] - Carin describes how leaders can help individuals find more purpose in their work.
• [20:30] - Carin says we can’t have too much purpose because it leads to life satisfaction.  However, it can lead to obsession, which impacts other areas of our lives.
• [23:15] - The Lightning Round with Carin Rockind.

Your Resources:

• F Midlife
• Strength Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow - Gallup & Tom Rath
• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life - Jen Sincero
• The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are - Brene Brown
• Brene Brown Ted Talks

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

Special thanks to Carin for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Russ Harris is the author of the international best-selling self help book, The Happiness Trap. He is a therapist and coach, as well as a world renowned trainer of acceptance and commitment therapy, otherwise known as ACT. He has provided ACT training to over 20,000 people all around the world.

In this conversation, you will hear Russ talk about the ACT approach. He explains how individuals and organizations can use the ACT approach to work through negativity and be comfortable with accepting rather than solving.

Connect with Russ Harris:

Website: ActMindfully.com.au

• [01:28] - Russ talks about finding healthy ways to accept things that seem completely unacceptable.
• [04:07] - Russ shares how those of us that are used to a CBT approach to our challenges can get comfortable with accepting rather than solving.
• [07:55] - Self-compassion is an important skill to normalize being able to get comfortably uncomfortable. Russ explains how the ACT approach works through negativity.
• [09:54] - Russ talks about the ideas of expansion, anchoring, pursuing the value of kindness, and connectedness with others.
• [12:22] - Russ describes how to introduce these ideas into workplaces. He describes his experiences with different types of work environments.
• [17:24] - When asked about work situations where ACT approach may not be a good fit, Russ shares the range of situations where these strategies have been implemented.
• [19:50] - The Lightning Round with Russ Harris

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT - Russ Harris and Steven Hayes

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

Special thanks to Russ for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Russ Harris is the author of the international best-selling self help book, The Happiness Trap.  He is a therapist and coach, as well as a world renowned trainer of acceptance and commitment therapy, otherwise known as ACT.  He has provided ACT training to over 20,000 people all around the world.

In this conversation, you will hear Russ talk about the ACT approach. He explains how individuals and organizations can use the ACT approach to work through negativity and be comfortable with accepting rather than solving.

Connect with Russ Harris:

Website: ActMindfully.com.au

• [01:28] - Russ talks about finding healthy ways to accept things that seem completely unacceptable.  
• [04:07] - Russ shares how those of us that are used to a CBT approach to our challenges can get comfortable with accepting rather than solving.  
• [07:55] - Self-compassion is an important skill to normalize being able to get comfortably uncomfortable.  Russ explains how the ACT approach works through negativity.  
• [09:54] - Russ talks about the ideas of expansion, anchoring, pursuing the value of kindness, and connectedness with others.
• [12:22] - Russ describes how to introduce these ideas into workplaces.  He describes his experiences with different types of work environments.
• [17:24] - When asked about work situations where ACT approach may not be a good fit, Russ shares the range of situations where these strategies have been implemented.
• [19:50] - The Lightning Round with Russ Harris

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT - Russ Harris and Steven Hayes

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

Special thanks to Russ for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Jo Murray is a facilitator and change consultant with a Masters in Positive Psychology from Melbourne University. Jo is specifically interested in how leaders in organizations can use the concept of psychological capital to improve the engagement and wellbeing of their employees.

While your organization may measure and track your economic, human or even social capital, have you ever considered the psychological capital? Psychological capital is about understanding what individuals uniquely bring to their role and the organization to give it life and vitality, and their potential to be great and perform at extraordinary levels. By providing meaningful and productive feedback to your staff based on the components of psychological capital - hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism - you can unlock the performance potential of your team.

You'll Learn:

• [01:33] - Jo explains that psychological capital is simply described as the notion of who you are and, more importantly, who you're becoming.
• [02:44] – As an organization leader it means tapping into when your employees enjoy their job, are motivated and optimistic about improving their performance.
• [03:36] - People who are higher in psychological capital are more engaged, involved, and rewarded by the work they do.
• [04:27] - Jo explains how psychological capital is the dynamic interplay between hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism (HERO).
• [08:10] – You can use these four elements of psychological capital by firstly becoming conscious of what you're doing as a leader and then using as a basis when you manage performance or provide feedback to your staff.
• [09:53] - Jo shares her experiences and thoughts on how organizations can introduce the practices of psychological capital into workplaces.
• [12:04] - Jo talks about the importance of understanding why and being ready to introduce the concept of psychological capital into an organization.
• [14:50] - Jo shares one example of introducing psychological capital into a challenging workplace and the benefits of providing feedback in a meaningful, productive way that actually unlocks performance.
• [17:34] – Jo explains how you can find more information on psychological capital and learn how to introduce it into your workplace.
• [18:46] - The Lightning Round with Jo Murray.

The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection - Brené Brown

Practicing Positive Leadership: Tools and Techniques That Create Extraordinary Results - Kim Cameron

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being - Martin E. P. Seligman

How to Be a Positive Leader: Small Actions, Big Impact - Jane E Dutton and Gretchen Spreitzer

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It's free!

Special thanks to Jo for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!

Jo Murray is a facilitator and change consultant with a Masters in Positive Psychology from Melbourne University.  Jo is specifically interested in how leaders in organizations can use the concept of psychological capital to improve the engagement and wellbeing of their employees.  

 While your organization may measure and track your economic, human or even social capital, have you ever considered the psychological capital?  Psychological capital is about understanding what individuals uniquely bring to their role and the organization to give it life and vitality, and their potential to be great and perform at extraordinary levels.  By providing meaningful and productive feedback to your staff based on the components of psychological capital  - hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism -  you can unlock the performance potential of your team.
 

You’ll Learn:

• [01:33] - Jo explains that psychological capital is simply described as the notion of who you are and, more importantly, who you’re becoming.
• [02:44] – As an organization leader it means tapping into when your employees enjoy their job, are motivated and optimistic about improving their performance.
• [03:36] - People who are higher in psychological capital are more engaged, involved, and rewarded by the work they do.  
• [04:27] - Jo explains how psychological capital is the dynamic interplay between hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism (HERO).
• [08:10] – You can use these four elements of psychological capital by firstly becoming conscious of what you’re doing as a leader and then using as a basis when you manage performance or provide feedback to your staff.  
• [09:53] - Jo shares her experiences and thoughts on how organizations can introduce the practices of psychological capital into workplaces.
• [12:04] - Jo talks about the importance of understanding why and being ready to introduce the concept of psychological capital into an organization.
• [14:50] - Jo shares one example of introducing psychological capital into a challenging workplace and the benefits of providing feedback in a meaningful, productive way that actually unlocks performance.
• [17:34] – Jo explains how you can find more information on psychological capital and learn how to introduce it into your workplace.
• [18:46] - The Lightning Round with Jo Murray.

The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection - Brené Brown

Practicing Positive Leadership: Tools and Techniques That Create Extraordinary Results - Kim Cameron

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being - Martin E. P. Seligman

How to Be a Positive Leader: Small Actions, Big Impact - Jane E Dutton and Gretchen Spreitzer

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me again this week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.  

Also, please leave an honest review for the Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. It’s free!

Special thanks to Jo for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!