Amazing Place on Earth

These features of innateness and malleability have led Davidson to conceptualize well-being in the same way scientists conceptualize language: although we are born with the capacity to understand and produce language, these skills need to be learned, practiced, and strengthened throughout life. Similarly, while we are born with the ability to be aware, connect with others, have insight into ourselves, and live with purpose.

That character on the show Mind Games is right: Admitting weaknesses makes you more likable. People figure them out on their own anyway. Of course, it’s important not to act like a victim or share your problems with everyone you meet. At work, it’s okay to go into a meeting and lead with the challenges you face. People are more likely to suggest a few solutions, come to your aid, and even pat you on the back.

A primary goal that serves the organization might be either to rescue a good employee or to prevent the senior manager from acting on faulty information. A secondary organizational goal might be to apprise the senior manager of a “rat” in the company’s midst. A primary goal that serves you personally might be to receive some behind-the-scenes credit for helping the employee. A secondary personal goal might be to feel that you did something for the greater good.

This year you may have experience a shift at short notice, to online learning and studying from home. For the majority of students that would have been total change to your normal day-to-day environment, getting to grips with new routines, adjusting to the technology and a different way of learning. Doing all that whilst being isolated from friends, your cohort, and possibly your support network.