'Pessimists Anonymous' - 12 steps to happiness
If you are addicted to alcohol, work, drugs, sex, food, exercise or destructive relationships, there's probably a
12-step program you can do to get back on track.
If it's negativity you're hooked on, the
Medical Register of Australia runs a different type of 12-step program - in the form of a fascinating one-day course called Positive Psychology: the Power of Optimism.
With a bit of help from Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle, classic Aussie movies The Castle and Kenny, and erudite lecturers, this fun and uplifting certificate course outlines 12 steps to positivity - in a nutshell, they are:
1.Express gratitude – it might sound twee, but people who count their blessings are apparently happier than those who focus on what they feel is lacking in their lives
2.Cultivate optimism – by keeping a journal or always trying to look at the bright side of things
3.Avoid overthinking / social comparison – use strategies such as distraction to minimise how often you dwell on problems and compare yourself to others
4.Practise acts of kindness – pretty self-explanatory, really
5.Nurture your relationships - choose a relationship that needs maintenance and invest time / energy in improving it
6.Develop coping strategies - practice ways to endure or surmount a stressful situation, hardship or trauma
7.Learn to forgive – writing your feelings down can help you let go of anger and resentment towards someone who has hurt / wronged you
8.Do more activities that truly engage you - or increase your "flow" experiences (activities that are so absorbing or challenging you lose track of time, yourself etc)
9.Savour life's joys - pay close attention to, take delight in and replay moments of pleasure and wonder
10.Commit to your goals – pick goals that have meaning for you, then devote time and effort to pursuing them
11.Practise religion / spirituality – eg read and reflect on spiritually themed books
12.Look after yourself – do something physical, meditate and laugh!
The next Positive Psychology certificate course is being held at Brisbane's
Griffith University on Saturday 26 March and costs $399 (discount available for early enrolment). Enrolments close March 18. Details:
medicalregister.com.au
