Take an example of a happy guy. Our happy guy is from Philadelphia and is known to everyone as Goldy because of his sunny nature. But, Goldy will admit that he wasn’t always cheerful and happy.
Goldy tested high on the happiness scale with his top three signature strengths being:
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Modesty and humility
When Goldy tells the story of how he decided to be a happier person, he reveals how he used all of these strengths to change his outlook on life.
He thought of the future (Strength #1):
"I didn’t want to be like that anymore. I was cranky and I didn’t want to be 80 year-old yelling at kids to get out of my yard."
He also called upon his humility (Strength #3):
"I was just taking myself too seriously. I had a good life and just didn’t have any business being so judgmental."
He has maintained a new outlook on life with his enthusiasm (Strength #2):
"I used to get into gossip. I just turned that into being excited about the good things people do.
You Can Be Happier Too
So, find work, a hobby, or an activity that puts you in the "flow." (If all else fails, try volunteering or see a life coach.) Then, know your strengths. Take the free online tests or use your best judgment. Live consciously by using your strengths. They are indicative of your values, your personality, and the things that are important to you. Exercise them everyday and see if you aren't more authentically happy.
Authentic Happiness - Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment
Values in Action (VIA) - This groundbreaking work provides the backbone for Positive Psychology
The Positive Psychology Center - The Positive Psychology Center promotes research, training, education, dissemination, and the application of Positive Psychology.