What is positive psychology?

I have been studying positive psychology for a few years now and am often asked, "What is POSITIVE psychology?’
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Its origins lie in the work of Abraham Maslow and his ‘hierarchy of needs’, developed in the 1940s. (Fun/nerdy fact - this hierarchy is commonly presented as a pyramid, but there is no evidence he ever represented his theory this way.)
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Maslow wrote about how psychology successfully shows our negative side by revealing much about our illnesses and shortcomings, but not enough of our virtues or aspirations.
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Fast forward to the 1990s, and Martin Seligman, often referred to as the founder of contemporary positive psychology, describes it like this:
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"The aim of positive psychology is to catalyse a change in psychology from a preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best qualities in life.”
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It's useful to focus on what is going well and, for me, it's fascinating to learn more about how we can develop our strengths to THRIVE, flourish and find authentic happiness.
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Coaching has long been a powerful force for transformation in people’s lives, and I see the science and interventions of positive psychology as a natural partner - supporting growth, positivity, optimism and change.
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If you've ever kept a gratitude journal, or taken the time to savour a moment of joy in your day, then you've already used a couple of simple positive psychology interventions!
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