To no surprise, there is a lot of talk these days about  finding ways to bring more happiness, meaning and purpose in our lives.  One of the most popular courses at Harvard University, taught by Tal Ben Shahar Ph.D., is about exactly this topic; happiness and ‘the good life’.  The quest for happiness is not a new quest in the history of humankind, but it does seem to be increasingly relevant and important in this day and age and in particular  in the scientific community.

In 1998, Dr. Martin  Seligman, former president of the American Psychological Association, set out to focus on the science of  happiness and became instrumental in launching  a new field of psychology known as Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is the empirical study of positive emotions and the optimal functioning of individuals and institutions. It is a branch of psychology that shifts the focus from pathology and mental illness to a focus on well-being and fulfillment.

Similar to the  Positive Psychology movement, the coaching profession is grounded in supporting and aligning individuals and organizations with their strengths, values and skills to function optimally and meaningfully. Coaching shares a  similar philosophy to Positive Psychology in that it focuses on what is working and what is right within an individual and in an organization.

In recent years, coaching  has increased in popularity so much so that it  has become one of the world’s fastest growing  professions.  Coaches, while holding a positive focus, support their clients in bringing more fulfillment and happiness into their everyday lives. Much of the coaching profession benefits from the developments in Positive Psychology, as do we all as our ever elusive quest for happiness as a society continues on.

What are your strengths? What brings you meaning in your life? What do you love to do?

Click here to watch a 23 video minute presentation on Positive Psychology by Dr. Martin Seligman at TED.