Positive Psychology | Psychology Today

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Therapist (City or Zip)" aria-label="Search input text"> <button type="submit" name="Submit" value="Search" title="" class="td_fat_subheader_submit" aria-label="Search button"></button> <div class="td_fat_subheader__underline"></div> </div> </form> <div class="td_fat_subheader__verified"> <p><img width="18" height="18" loading="lazy" alt="" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/icons/icon-check-circle-gray.svg"/> Verified by <span class="font-weight-semi-bold">Psychology Today</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="outer-layout-container"> <main class="layout-content layout-container" > <div class="layout-content-full"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--has-left-rail layout-container--has-right-rail retain-ltr-area-order"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="53862" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/2020-10/shutterstock_193092488.jpg?itok=-8YlZWni" width="75" height="75" alt="Vladimir Gjorgiev/Shutterstock" title="Vladimir Gjorgiev/Shutterstock" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Positive Psychology</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/us/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p>Positive psychology is a branch of psychology focused on the character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose—to move beyond surviving to flourishing. Theorists and researchers in the field have sought to identify the elements of a good life. They have also proposed and tested practices for improving life satisfaction and well-being.</p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#positive-psychology-basics"> Positive Psychology Basics </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#applying-positive-psychology"> Applying Positive Psychology </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="positive-psychology-basics" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> The Basics of Positive Psychology </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-05/shutterstock_709235959_0.jpg?itok=rKzN03yu" width="180" height="180" alt="GaudiLab/Shutterstock" title="GaudiLab/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p>Positive psychology emphasizes meaning and deep satisfaction, not just on fleeting <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness" title="Psychology Today looks at happiness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en">happiness</a>. Martin Seligman, often regarded as the father of positive psychology, has described multiple visions of what it means to live happily, including the Pleasant Life (Hollywood’s view of happiness), the Good Life (focused on personal strengths and engagement), and the Meaningful Life. Positive psychologists have explored a range of experiences and behaviors involved in different versions of positive living, including specific positive emotions, "flow" states, and sense of meaning or purpose. </p> <p>Proponents of positive psychology have also sought to catalog character strengths and virtues. The 2004 book <em>Character Strengths and Virtues </em>proposed the categories of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/wisdom" title="Psychology Today looks at Wisdom" class="basics-link" hreflang="en">Wisdom</a> and Knowledge, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence (including strengths such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gratitude" title="Psychology Today looks at gratitude" class="basics-link" hreflang="en">gratitude</a>, hope, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/humor" title="Psychology Today looks at humor" class="basics-link" hreflang="en">humor</a>).</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How is positive psychology different from the rest of psychology? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>While there is plenty of overlap, positive psychology has been described as different from other areas of psychology due to its primary interest in <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-good-life/200805/what-is-positive-psychology-and-what-is-it-not">identifying and building mental assets</a>, as opposed to addressing weaknesses and problems. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Who created positive psychology? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Major proponents of positive psychology include psychologists Martin Seligman (who promoted the concept as president of the American Psychological Association in 1998), Christopher Peterson, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. But many others have developed the subfield, and it <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201412/humanistic-and-positive-psychology">echoes earlier work by humanistic psychologists</a> such as Abraham Maslow, who used the term “positive psychology” in the 1950s.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are the elements of a good life, according to positive psychology? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Though there are many elements of well-being and fulfillment studied by positive psychologists, five are among Martin Seligman’s proposed <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/positive-prescription/201608/what-are-the-building-blocks-good-life">building blocks of well-being</a>, called the PERMA model: positive emotions, engagement (with a project, for instance), positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment/achievement. (PERMA is <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/curious/201710/how-many-ways-can-we-measure-well-being">not the first</a> or only model of well-being.)</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (!window.ptAdSlots || window.ptAdSlots.length === 0) { window.ptAdSlots = []; } window.ptAdSlots.push('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9') </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="applying-positive-psychology" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> How Is Positive Psychology Applied? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2018-12/shutterstock_1114940525.jpg?itok=HQ6BK3M3" width="180" height="180" alt="mimagephotography/Shutterstock" title="mimagephotography/Shutterstock" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Identifying one’s character strengths (such as courage, humanity, or justice) is considered an important step on the road to the good and meaningful life envisioned by positive psychologists. There are also positive psychology practices one can try at home to promote well-being. For example, gratitude exercises have been studied by psychologists as a way to increase happiness over time. Just what the name sounds like, these involve such simple actions as writing down each day three things for which one is grateful.</p> <p>Although the focus of positive psychology is on happiness and fulfillment, it is important to understand that this does not mean people are advised to push away their negative emotions altogether. People who are flourishing make room in their lives for such inevitable states of mind.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are some of the benefits of positive psychology? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Practices associated with positive psychology such as gratitude interventions can <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/201912/five-insights-gratitude">boost social and emotional well-being</a>, studies suggest. Positive psychology has also led to explorations of how developing certain character strengths, positive emotions like <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/awe" title="Psychology Today looks at awe" class="basics-link" hreflang="en">awe</a>, and other qualities, such as a sense of meaning and purpose in life, might contribute to positive life outcomes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why are meaning and purpose significant? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Measures of meaning in life have been found to relate to other positive life outcomes. For example, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life">research suggests</a> that older adults who consider their lives worthwhile tend to have better physical and mental health. Other studies suggest <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/human-flourishing/202001/what-brings-meaning-and-purpose-in-life">potential well-being benefits</a> of having a sense of purpose in life.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What is flow? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flow">“Flow”</a> is the term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to describe a rewarding state of immersion in an activity, such as when people create art or play a sport they are passionate about. It has been proposed by proponents of positive psychology as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201804/flow-and-other-secrets-happy-life">one factor that contributes</a> to a happy life.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are some criticisms of positive psychology? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Among the critiques of positive psychology are that it has focused on positive experiences at the expense of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/curious/201603/how-can-positive-psychology-be-more-open-the-negative">essential “negative” ones</a> and that certain concepts (such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/curious/201810/making-sense-character-strengths">character strengths</a>) may insufficiently well-defined or re-describe existing scientific concepts.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-569887760559f831be039503932fb51fedd65b8c600d2b4cac1aaf077edd6cce"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5031091"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-regret-free-life/202502/you-dont-find-purpose-you-build-it"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2025-02/idea-4095184_1280.jpg?itok=_W1oULDy" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="TheDigitalArtist / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-regret-free-life/202502/you-dont-find-purpose-you-build-it" title="You Don't Find Purpose, You Build It"> You Don't Find Purpose, You Build It </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Struggling to find your purpose? Discover how to create a life of meaning by identifying key anchors like regrets, childhood joys, and even work tasks. Start building today! </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5031009"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/social-instincts/202502/how-your-worldview-can-affect-your-love-life"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/couple-beside-green-leafed-tree-during-daytime-4x3.jpg?itok=aOPdrKfT" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Lindsey Weber / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/social-instincts/202502/how-your-worldview-can-affect-your-love-life" title="How Your Worldview Can Affect Your Love Life"> How Your Worldview Can Affect Your Love Life </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Is your relationship, much like the world, a good thing worth fighting for? </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5030854"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-regret-free-life/202502/the-difference-between-meaning-and-purpose"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/shutterstock_2316047527.jpg?itok=ZHxNvCfn" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Cagkan Sayin/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-regret-free-life/202502/the-difference-between-meaning-and-purpose" title="The Difference Between Meaning and Purpose"> The Difference Between Meaning and Purpose </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Think you can "purpose" your way to happiness? Think again. Discover the key difference between meaning and purpose, and why you need both for true fulfillment. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5030634"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/between-cultures/202502/5-positive-psychology-findings-for-a-happier-life"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/crane-5946169_1280.jpg?itok=Kf-EP8l-" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="CDD20/Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/between-cultures/202502/5-positive-psychology-findings-for-a-happier-life" title="5 Positive Psychology Findings for a Happier Life"> 5 Positive Psychology Findings for a Happier Life </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Positive psychology research can help us lead better lives. Here are examples from studies on post-traumatic growth, resilience, and self-compassion. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-8793bdc2aac64d377872cb5c2a484e4766cd5bc6acbd9bcfa46a5c3fbb1b6c89 layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031086"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/seeing-what-others-dont/202502/the-problem-with-experience"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-03/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7433911.jpg?itok=cLcQolMV" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Vlada Karpovich / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/seeing-what-others-dont/202502/the-problem-with-experience" rel="bookmark">The Problem With Experience</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Most people gain expertise on their own, not through training programs or coaching. But experience alone will not lead to expertise. It's just the starting point. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Most people gain expertise on their own, not through training programs or coaching. But experience alone will not lead to expertise. It's just the starting point. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031498"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/flourish-and-thrive/202503/20-ways-to-inspire-kindness-in-your-life"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-03/Syed%20Ali%20Mehdi%20-%20Pixabay%20-%20plants%20.png.jpg?itok=g2dXy8PD" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Syed Ali Mehdi / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/flourish-and-thrive/202503/20-ways-to-inspire-kindness-in-your-life" rel="bookmark">20 Ways to Inspire Kindness in Your Life</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Every kind act can make a difference and can benefit the giver and the receiver. Showing kindness is a great way to focus your energies in a positive way. Here are some ideas. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Every kind act can make a difference and can benefit the giver and the receiver. Showing kindness is a great way to focus your energies in a positive way. Here are some ideas. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031563"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/threshold/202503/how-to-cultivate-active-sustainable-hope"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-03/pexels-frans-van-heerden-201846-830829.jpg?itok=pq4CBzpX" width="288" height="288" alt="" title=" Frans van Heerden / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/threshold/202503/how-to-cultivate-active-sustainable-hope" rel="bookmark">How to Cultivate Active, Sustainable Hope</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Hope is a paradoxical force that can both heal and hinder. Learn how to cultivate active, sustainable hope while avoiding the pitfall of "hopium."<br /> <br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Hope is a paradoxical force that can both heal and hinder. Learn how to cultivate active, sustainable hope while avoiding the pitfall of "hopium."<br /> <br /> </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031525"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-hope-circuit/202503/reclaiming-joy-in-a-world-that-feels-hopeless"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-03/pexels-impact-dog-crates-1789722873-28948918%20%281%29.jpg?itok=SsdLiT43" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Impact Dog Crates / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-hope-circuit/202503/reclaiming-joy-in-a-world-that-feels-hopeless" rel="bookmark">Reclaiming Joy in a World That Feels Hopeless</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Explore why joy matters now more than ever and how you can start reclaiming it, one tiny little joy at a time. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Explore why joy matters now more than ever and how you can start reclaiming it, one tiny little joy at a time. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031486"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-regret-free-life/202503/3-reasons-goals-become-toxic"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2025-03/success-4129577_1280.jpg?itok=pctxGqit" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="TheDigitalArtist / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-regret-free-life/202503/3-reasons-goals-become-toxic" rel="bookmark">3 Reasons Goals Become Toxic </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Are your goals holding you back? Discover the 3 reasons why goal-setting can be toxic, and how to focus on the process for true fulfillment. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Are your goals holding you back? Discover the 3 reasons why goal-setting can be toxic, and how to focus on the process for true fulfillment. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031368"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-contemplative-scientist/202502/the-art-of-doing-less"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/crowded%20mind.jpg?itok=mRDZLxLG" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="ChatGPT/OpenAI" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-contemplative-scientist/202502/the-art-of-doing-less" rel="bookmark">The Art of Doing Less</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> You wake up, grab your phone, and the race begins. But what if the real problem isn鈥檛 stress but never stopping? Research reveals that mindfulness isn鈥檛 a luxury. It鈥檚 survival. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> You wake up, grab your phone, and the race begins. But what if the real problem isn鈥檛 stress but never stopping? Research reveals that mindfulness isn鈥檛 a luxury. It鈥檚 survival. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031296"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/when-likes-arent-enough/202502/sense-of-belonging-in-college-hard-to-find-hard-to-measure"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-versolaluce-53441205-29554711.jpg?itok=ojTxl8ts" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="versolaluce / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/when-likes-arent-enough/202502/sense-of-belonging-in-college-hard-to-find-hard-to-measure" rel="bookmark">Sense of Belonging in College: Hard to Find, Hard to Measure</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> For universities to help their students find a sense of belonging, we first need to get serious about how we define and measure it. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> For universities to help their students find a sense of belonging, we first need to get serious about how we define and measure it. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031197"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-path-to-passionate-happiness/202502/when-life-gives-you-lemons-you-choose-the-recipe"><img loading="lazy" src="/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/when%20life%20gives%20you%20lemons.jpg?h=6b10cf61&itok=JCnrLRDh" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Photo by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-path-to-passionate-happiness/202502/when-life-gives-you-lemons-you-choose-the-recipe" rel="bookmark">When Life Gives You Lemons, You Choose the Recipe</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A Personal Perspective: You always have the power to choose your perspective. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A Personal Perspective: You always have the power to choose your perspective. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5031119"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-pursuit-of-peace/202502/the-new-science-of-ecospirituality"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/cafeteria.jpg?itok=ZllMaeQB" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Andy Tix" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-pursuit-of-peace/202502/the-new-science-of-ecospirituality" rel="bookmark">The New Science of Ecospirituality</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> How can we sustain both our planet and ourselves? The new science of ecospirituality has some ideas and some suggestions to try. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> How can we sustain both our planet and ourselves? 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