Something I especially appreciate about positive psychology is it's focus on human agency. Under most circumstances human beings have choices, the choices may not be desirable but we nonetheless have choices. We have agency to shape events. I greatly prefer this framework to the Victim Drama framework in which we are helpless victims in the face of all kinds of events we have no control over. In myths heros have to deal with the unfair, capricious decisions of gods and their choices are what make them heroic.
So glad you find the questions helpful Sarah. I’m finding that making a concerted effort to focus on people’s strengths is magical for me and for them.
I love this post and your sharing of your strengths library. It seems to be me in so many domains when we want to correct others they just need to hear what's working well and appreciation for what they're doing well and right. 30 years of parenting eventually surfaces that truth.
Something I especially appreciate about positive psychology is it's focus on human agency. Under most circumstances human beings have choices, the choices may not be desirable but we nonetheless have choices. We have agency to shape events. I greatly prefer this framework to the Victim Drama framework in which we are helpless victims in the face of all kinds of events we have no control over. In myths heros have to deal with the unfair, capricious decisions of gods and their choices are what make them heroic.
What a brilliant comment Judy! I think there might be an essay in there!
Love the idea of strengths-spotting and talking about strengths openly.
The list you share is begging to be printed and posted for easy reference!
So glad you find the questions helpful Sarah. I’m finding that making a concerted effort to focus on people’s strengths is magical for me and for them.
I love this post and your sharing of your strengths library. It seems to be me in so many domains when we want to correct others they just need to hear what's working well and appreciation for what they're doing well and right. 30 years of parenting eventually surfaces that truth.
Thanks Rick. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to try strengths-spotting in my kids if we have them.