Positive choices result in superior health and wealth; body, soul and mind!!

A large portion of one’s well-being or happiness is as a result of choices, positive psychology, (which focuses on developing optimal living), scientifically discovers and promotes factors that allow individuals, groups, organisations and society to live life to its fullest. 

As mentioned in Luthans (2002), Selignman and Csikszentmihalyi summarize three levels of positive psychology, “Valued subjective experiences, Positive individual traits and Civic virtues and the institutions that move individuals toward better citizenship” all of which can be developed through choice, training and practice. In the organizational context these domains provide catalysts for effective and efficient behaviour in employees, groups and the organization as a whole. Luthans (2011) indicates that research shows strong correlations between physical and mental health, relationships and work performance and satisfaction, terming it “H-R-W well-being.”

According to Luthans (2011, p202), research positive psychologist, Lyubomirsky indicates that “40 percent of one’s happiness is determined by intentional activity”. Positive psychology suggests that the ability to experience positive emotions could be an intrinsic fortitude paramount to the studies of human efflorescence. Today many scientists agree the more than 40{df784260bd851cee6c3b3cc59ee8c7a9cc9c714a61742f768eea9bd71877a83a} of one happiness is determined by intentional activity.

 5 Characteristics Important to Understanding a Person’s Ability to Remain Psychologically Healthy

(taken  from Victor Frankl’s writings:)

1. The Search for Meaning

According to Victor Frankl the continuous striving to find meaning in life is regarded as the basic and over-arching need of each person and can be found within any type of circumstance – good or bad.

2. Free Will

It is at the spiritual level that one can choose to accept or disregard the internal or external forces or influences that are imposed upon him/her.  It is within this dimension that a person can over-ride automated responses, which cannot always be done within the physical or psychological dimension.

3. Responsible Life Choices

The person, who has the freedom to choose his responses on the spiritual level, also has the ability to take responsibility for their choice. He makes no excuses for the outcomes of his choices but takes the consequences, accepts them and positively moves forward.

4. Purposeful Drive Behaviour

On a spiritual level the person is driven by personal objectives and values and is not influenced by factors beyond their control.  They are focused on their goals and not easily swayed from their belief and choices.

5. Attitude

Frankl calls pain, guilt and dying the tragic triad of human existence that cause unavoidable suffering that cannot be avoided. He, however, believes, we have the Freedom to choose how to deal with those circumstances and, should we be not be able to change the circumstances, we are able to choose to adapt, or change ourselves, to have a positive attitude; to rise above our circumstances and grow beyond ourselves. He adds that the most unique form of human potential is the potential to transform a tragedy into a personal triumph or to turn a predicament into a personal achievement.

Four Characteristics of Optimal Living that can be Derived from Frankl’s Theory are:

• Self-determined behaviour – taking personal responsibility for our choices irrespective of outside forces or internal desires.
• Realistic observation – able to view things objectively and critically rather than subjectively.
• Future Directedness – an eternal outlook of life with no fear of death, seeing it only as a meaningful close to life on earth. Living each day to its fullest and regard it as a precious opportunity to find meaning. The past is regarded as a rich source of experience.
• Appreciation of what is good, beautiful and authentic – regarding each individual as unique and have respect for the quality and uniqueness seen in each individual. Looking for meaning in each relationship. Working through and making peace with, tragedies and hardships in life, not permitting them to impede his/her joy.

In the time of constant challenge and change, personal stability is key for individuals wanting to flourish personally, socially and corporately. A4Consulting offers motivation, training and development seminars tailored to meet the relevant context. Feel free to drop us a question, query or thought. We welcome dialogue.

References:
Frankl, V. (1959-1992). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press books
Luthens, F. (2011) Organisational Behaviour: An Evidence Based Approach. (12^th ed.), Mc Graw Hill
Luthans, F ( 2002),Journal of Organizational Behaviour. The need for and meaning of positive organizational behaviour. J. Organizational. Behaviour. 23, 695–706