Authentic Happiness

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Authentic Happiness

• Counseling Psychological Services
• University of Cincinnati

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How Do You Define Happiness?

• Is it about your latest purchase?
• Dating the best-looking person?
• Winning the lottery?
• My definition of happiness is
  __________________________________________________
  ________________________________________

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Psychologists Have Found

• A good definition of real or true happiness is
• Feeling many pleasures.
• Feeling few pains.
• Finding satisfaction with life.

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And Feeling

• Positive emotions such as...
• Satisfaction Zest
• Fulfillment Gratitude Hope
• Cheer Joy

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• My positive emotions include
  __________________________________________________
  ________________________________________

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Also

• Real or authentic happiness turns out to be
  about strengths, character, and virtues in daily
  life.

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How Do I Get There?

• Develop strengths.
• Strengths can help you create hope, contentment,
  and satisfaction.

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Strengths

• Some strengths include
• Curiosity and interest in the world
• Diligence (being thorough and careful)
• Honesty
• Kindness
• Leadership

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More Strengths

• Hope
• Modesty
• Humor
• Enthusiasm
• And many more!
• (Seligman, M. E. P., 2002)

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What Are My Strengths?

• Researchers have come up with a variety of ways
  to measure strengths.

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What Are My Strengths?

• Here are some questions from Seligmans Values in
  Action (VIA) Strengths Test to help you think
  about your strengths.
• How much do these statements apply to you?

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What Are My Strengths?

• 1. I always keep my promises.
• 2. I always say thank you, even for the little
  things.
• 3. I always look on the bright side.
• 4. My life has a strong purpose.
• 5. I always finish what I start.
• 6. I throw myself into everything I do.
• (Seligman, M. E. P., 2002)

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Strengths to Virtues

• Using personal strengths usually leads to pride,
  satisfaction, joy, fulfillment, harmony
• and
• By using strengths, you achieve virtues.
• (Seligman, M. E. P., 2002)

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Virtues Whats That?

• Virtues are
• Showing respect for yourself, others and the
  rules you live by.
• The essence of human spirit.
• Your character.

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Some Virtues

• Wisdom (using knowledge well)
• Courage (facing difficult obstacles)
• Love and humanity (being good to others)

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More Virtues

• Temperance (self-control)
• Spirituality and transcendence (finding meaning
  beyond the material world)
• Justice (being fair to others)
• Dependability

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My Virtues

• My virtues include ______________________________
  __________________________________________________
  __________

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Can I Become Happier?

• If you are not as happy as you want to be, cheer
  up!
• It is possible to create happiness!

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Here Are Some Steps

• Develop strategies to cope with stress and
  hardship.
• Focus on the positive.
• Appreciate the good things.
• Be true to yourself and sincere with others.
• (Wallis, 2004 www.authentichappiness.org)

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And

• Invest time and energy into family and friends.
• Keep commitments to others.
• Meditate.
• Pray.
• Smile.
• Laugh.

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Lets Start

• Think about strengths.
• My strengths include
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

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• Focus on the good in life.
• Some good things in my life are
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

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• Once a week, write down 3-5 things you are
  thankful for.
• I am thankful for
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

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• Practice acts of kindness such as volunteering or
  mentoring.
• I will engage in these acts of kindness
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

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• Make and meet goalsfor the day, the week,
  long-term, etc.
• My goals include
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

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• Talk out problems or concerns with a good friend.
• When I am upset I will talk to
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

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• Use positive self-talk with statements such as I
  can get through this and I can solve problems.
• When I am upset I will tell myself
  __________________________________________________
  __________________________________________________
  ________

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• Take care of your body by getting enough sleep
  and exercise.
• I will sleep ______ hours per night
• I will exercise _____ days per week

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Some benefits of using strengths and virtues

• High motivation.
• Feeling involved.
• Greater productivity.
• Achievement of goals.
• Making decisions that are good for you and for
  others.

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As Well As

• Stronger relationships.
• Positive thoughts and feelings.
• Confidence and pride.
• Satisfaction with life.
• and
• Happinessreal, true, lasting, authentic.

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Measurements Of Happiness

• You can take the entire VIA Strengths Test, and
  find other tools that measure your happiness,
• life satisfaction, strengths,
• gratitude, and grit at
• http//www.authentichappiness.org

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Further Information

• For further information on positive psychology go
  to www.authentichappiness.org
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness
  Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your
  Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. New York, NY
  The Free Press.

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Counseling Psychological Services

• We offer
• Confidential counseling for UC students
  individual and group
• Free walk-in urgent care services during business
  hours
• Consultation with faculty, staff, family, and
  friends concerned about a student
• Workshops and presentations stress management,
  communication, relationships and balancing
  demands, and other life-enhancing topics
• 225 Calhoun St Suite 200 [phone]
  www.uc.edu/counseling