VI. The Good Life: Defining Character by Applying Positive Subjective Experiences

1
VI. The Good Life Defining Characterby Applying
Positive Subjective Experiences

• A. Peoples character refers to the enduring
  effects of life experiences on the human psyche
  (as cited in McCullough Snyder, 2000). The
  qualities below that define the good life
  enrich our lives, make them worth living, and
  promote strong character. The hallmarks of
  positive subjective experiences are integrated
  throughout areas of our lives.
• B. Connections outward involve interactions with
  others that enhance life experiences.

2

• 1. Love and intimacyThese are meaningful
  relationships, including friendships, that
  involve loving and being loved.
• 2. Satisfying work/occupationThis is being
  committed to a vocation and valued through it.
• 3. Helping others (altruism)This is helping and
  being helped and supported.
• 4. Good citizenshipThis is participating in
  activities that have public benefit and being
  respected in the public arena.
• 5. SpiritualityThis is connection to a deeper
  meaning or reality.

3

• 6. ForgivenessThis is the ability to reconcile
  with those who offend and to avoid retaliatory
  aggression against the offender (McCullough,
  2000).
• 7. LeadershipThis is supporting the growth of
  those younger who will be the future leaders.
• C. Individual qualities include those that are
  enduring and meaningful.
• 1. Integrity and ethicsThis is living up to the
  principles and dreams of life.
• 2. Creativity/originalityThis is using
  information in a unique way or creating new
  avenues of information.
• 3. PlayThis is having a sense of fun and humor.

4

• 4. Subjective well-beingThis is the pervasive
  sense that life has been and is good.
• 5. CourageThis is being unafraid of death, being
  able to overcome obstacles, and being willing to
  take risks based on principles.
• 6. HumilityThis is the accurate assessment of
  abilities and achievements where mistakes and
  limitations can be recognized. Usually humility
  entails an ability to accept new ideas and advice
  while maintaining a low self-focus and the
  appreciation of the value of all things (Tangney,
  2000).

5

• D. Life regulation qualities involve those that
  guide day-to-day life.
• 1. Purposeful future-mindednessThis is the
  pursuit of personal ideals and goals.
• 2. IndividualityThis is the integration of
  personality traits into a unified and distinct
  whole.
• 3. Self-controlThis is the ability to alter
  ones states and responses, a key to the
  adaptation process (Baumeister Exline, 2000).
• 4. WisdomThis is the capstone of the good life
  the ability to navigate the issues and pragmatics
  of life.

6
Portfolio 7

• Design a beautiful day (a 24-hour clock day) that
  is within the realm of possibility for you to
  live currently. Explain why you chose each
  element. (minimum 1 page) Attempt to actually
  live this daywhat is preventing you??