{jumi [affiliate] [Learned Optimism - image] } {jumi [affiliate] [Optimistic Child - image] }
How one explains setbacks to oneself has great influence on success, happiness, and in short, on Flourishing. One style of explanation leads to a downward spiral of Learned Helplessness and failures, giving up in the face of challenges and failing by default. Another style leads to an updward spiral of Learned Optimism and successes; redoubled effort results in Flourishing. This one simple thing can determine dramatically different life outcomes. As Woody Allen said, "90% of life is just showing up". It should be so easy, and yet... millions can't seem to escape the Learned Helplessness whirlpool.
Seligman convincingly describes, backed by rigorous scientific evidence,
- how these different beliefs come about
- how to tip the balance toward Learned Optimism in children, students, and others
- how Flourishing and even physical health are impacted
- how one can adopt Learned Optimism to replace an unproductive history of Learned Helplessness
By the way, Learned Optimism does not mean bubbly pep talks -- "You are a natural, you can do it". Surprisingly and contrary to common attitudes of the last 50 years, enthusiastic encouragement and praise of that kind appears to be a significant part of the problem rather than the solution!
Read {jumi [affiliate] [Learned Optimism - text] [''] } and {jumi [affiliate] [Optimistic Child - text] [''] } . You will be glad you did.