DRIVE TO THRIVE
Mother Nature wants you to be happy. In fact, she wants you to be ecstatic! She's been painstakingly at work crafting your brain to produce a host of 'feel-good' hormones, like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and over 20 varieties of endorphins. All for the sole purpose of providing you with heartwarming emotions, scintillating sensations, and euphoric feelings that will make you happy.
So why all this fuss about your happiness?
Mother Nature has instilled a strong will to survive and thrive in all living things. In humans, this ‘drive to thrive’ has evolved into an integral web of specific attitudes and behavioral traits designed to help us flourish—both personally and collectively. Today, psychologists call these traits Character Strengths, which include:
GENEROSITY, EMPATHY, COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, KINDNESS, and CURIOSITY
To help you "live long and prosper", Mother Nature created a rather ingenious way of nurturing these characteristics within you and keeping you focused on them. It's called PLEASURE.
Display any of these character strengths in the world and you get an immediate burst of feel-good hormones. The reward may last only for a moment, or it may serve to enhance streams of pleasure already flowing through you, but you definitely feel better. It's Mother Nature's way of rewarding you for your good behavior.
Activate more of your character strengths more often and you start feeling good—really good—just about all the time. You're also more likely to enter rewarding states of FLOW. When you're "in the zone" time seems to stand still. Colors become richer and other sensory experiences are heightened. When you're totally present in the NOW, you can feel pleasantly relaxed, warmly connected and serenely euphoric, all at the same time. You learn just how good it feels to be alive.
Display any of these character strengths in the world and you get an immediate burst of feel-good hormones. The reward may last only for a moment, or it may serve to enhance streams of pleasure already flowing through you, but you definitely feel better. It's Mother Nature's way of rewarding you for your good behavior.
- Take GENEROSITY, for example. When you extend a helping hand or give a gift, your brain responds by releasing serotonin and dopamine. This chemical reaction leads to a 'helper’s high,' boosting self-esteem, enhancing feelings of joy and contentment, and acting as a buffer against depression.
- LOVE, whether it’s romantic, parental, or platonic, triggers a significant release of oxytocin, the 'bonding hormone.' It's this surge of oxytocin that creates such a powerful and pleasurable connection with others.
- Engaging in CREATIVE pursuits, be it in sports, arts, or any field, releases various neurochemicals that stimulate a natural high. From excitement and joy to increased confidence and pride, creativity can evoke a range of elevated moods.
Activate more of your character strengths more often and you start feeling good—really good—just about all the time. You're also more likely to enter rewarding states of FLOW. When you're "in the zone" time seems to stand still. Colors become richer and other sensory experiences are heightened. When you're totally present in the NOW, you can feel pleasantly relaxed, warmly connected and serenely euphoric, all at the same time. You learn just how good it feels to be alive.
FAILURE TO THRIVE
But maybe happy isn't what you’re feeling right now. If your character strengths, particularly the ones most integral to your personality, have been blocked or neglected, it's only natural to feel downhearted or unfulfilled. Imagine if one of your primary strengths--and best source of joy and self-esteem--was being CREATIVE. Yet your job confined you to boring routines constantly stifling that creative spark. How would you feel? Frustrated? Angry? Hopeless? Perhaps all three! That's what a failure to thrive feels like.
There’s probably another feeling swirling around: a compelling urge for change—a desire to break free from this quagmire and move in the direction of greater growth and fulfillment. Just the thought of it stirs a bit of excitement! That’s Mother Nature reminding you that she's got bigger plans in store for you.
You can learn more about your character strengths by taking a FREE online ‘Character Strengths Inventory’. This simple 10-minute survey developed by psychologists will help you uncover and rank your strengths. Additionally, I'm offering a complimentary coaching session where we can delve into your survey results together. See FREE OFFER to learn more.
But maybe happy isn't what you’re feeling right now. If your character strengths, particularly the ones most integral to your personality, have been blocked or neglected, it's only natural to feel downhearted or unfulfilled. Imagine if one of your primary strengths--and best source of joy and self-esteem--was being CREATIVE. Yet your job confined you to boring routines constantly stifling that creative spark. How would you feel? Frustrated? Angry? Hopeless? Perhaps all three! That's what a failure to thrive feels like.
There’s probably another feeling swirling around: a compelling urge for change—a desire to break free from this quagmire and move in the direction of greater growth and fulfillment. Just the thought of it stirs a bit of excitement! That’s Mother Nature reminding you that she's got bigger plans in store for you.
You can learn more about your character strengths by taking a FREE online ‘Character Strengths Inventory’. This simple 10-minute survey developed by psychologists will help you uncover and rank your strengths. Additionally, I'm offering a complimentary coaching session where we can delve into your survey results together. See FREE OFFER to learn more.
To learn about a FREE Character Strengths Inventory and Coaching Session
see FREE OFFER or click the button below and complete the request form.
see FREE OFFER or click the button below and complete the request form.
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