Suzann Pileggi

The First World Congress on Positive Psychology kicks off next Thursday with talks by two renowned psychologists. Martin Seligman and Philip Zimbardo will discuss how the science of positive psychology is changing the way we live our lives on an individual, societal, and global level. Positive psychologists from around the world will present latest research and applications on how to increase well-being.

Since the theme of this month is stress and resilience I spent some time pondering ways to lighten my daily burden. I took a long hard look at my life and noticed that I place much undo stress and pressure upon myself. I coined a phrase that captures my daily life: I’m an overthinking anticipating maximizer.

Do right-brained people find it easier to express love than left-brained folks? I have been reflecting on it for the last month during a trip to India with my mother for the dedication of the new building for the Evershine English school for disadvantaged children. My gut tells me that folks who are more right brained have an easier time expressing love because they lead with their hearts over their heads and are more adept in the universal non-verbal language of love.

Why do some people rise to the top while others languish? Are there personal characteristics that enable some individuals and groups to thrive during tough times? Fascinated by these questions, management consultants Scott Asalone (MAPP ’08) and Jan Sparrow set out to study greatness nearly a decade ago and compiled their findings in their new book, Pathways to Greatness: 77 Inspirational Essays from The Greatness Project.

Do you sometimes move automatically and unconsciously through life, reacting to people and situations? It often seems that mindlessness, rather than mindfulness, permeates our lives.

We mindlessly stuff ourselves at the dinner table, whittle away hours in front of the tube, or succumb to our shopping urges and overspend. Mindless habits like these often steer us off-course on our road to health and happiness. Are we on automatic pilot or do we have a choice?

What better time than now, when the struggling economy – and the stress that often accompanies it – is not only taking a toll on our financial wealth, but also on our psychological and physical health, for the Positive Psychology Forum to take place: One-day conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC on Wednesday, November 19th – focusing on Health and Positive Psychology. (DISCOUNT inside the article.)

Suzann Pileggi is a wellness writer, coach, and consultant. She is a monthly columnist for the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) newsletter, Positive Psychology News Daily, and happier.com. She has…