Featuring:
Margaret Moore
Co-Director, Institute of Coaching
McLean/Harvard Medical School
Philip Zimbardo, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Stanford University
Emiliana Simon-Thomas, PhD
Associate Director at CCARE
Stanford University
We all strive and hope to be in a state of elevated and increased well-being. However, there are only a few words in the English language that describe such a state. When asked what they would wish for themselves, most people say that they would like to be happy. But the word “happiness” alone fails to describe the many facets of being in a state of great well-being. One may not feel happy or glad or joyous in particular, yet have great energy and vitality, feel strongly connected with the world around them, be centered, focused, immersed in fascinating work, and hold a strong sense of meaning and purpose. This is a great state to be in, but it’s not necessarily one that evokes a smile.
The word that captures this state of elation, focus, hope, and happiness as well, is thriving.