What even is positive psychology—and why should you care?
Since 2020, when I made the unconventional choice to stop pursuing an MBA and start a master’s in positive psychology, I’ve been asked the same two questions over and over:
What even is positive psychology?
And why should I care about it?
Sometimes these questions come from genuine curiosity. Other times, there’s a strong whiff of judgment. And honestly? I get it.
Compared to an MBA—which has a clear “what” and “why”—positive psychology isn’t as widely understood. It’s a young field (not yet 30 years old) and doesn’t always fit into a traditional career path. But after studying and practicing it for some time, I’ve come to realize that its application extends far beyond a career. It’s influenced nearly every aspect of my life.
So here’s my best attempt to answer both questions clearly and simply for the curious and the skeptics.
What even is positive psychology?
It’s the science of well-being.
Where traditional psychology focuses on what’s wrong - diagnosing and treating mental illness - positive psychology complements that by focusing on what’s right: how to build mental health, not just fix it.
It asks:
What makes life worth living?
What helps people not just survive, but thrive?
What habits, mindsets, and environments help us flourish?
There are many frameworks in the field, but my favorite is PERMA-V, which outlines the building blocks of well-being:
Positive Emotions
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Achievement
Vitality
Positive psychology offers evidence-based strategies to strengthen each of these, so we can live more connected, resilient, and fulfilling lives.
It’s not happiology, and it's not self-help.
This is important.
Positive psychology isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or just “thinking positive.” It’s not about avoiding discomfort or denying reality.
It’s about learning how to think deeply and feel fully, so we can show up more skillfully as human beings.
And unlike trendy wellness tips or Instagram quotes, this work is grounded in research. The principles and practices are supported by real science, not just feel-good slogans.
And why should I care about it?
No one ever asked me, “What are you really going to do with an MBA?” But with positive psychology, people often want to know what the use cases are. Here are just a few:
A parent trying to raise kind, confident, resilient kids
A teacher or coach instilling a growth mindset in students or players
A leader building a high-performing and engaged team
An employee looking for purpose and ways to avoid burnout
A spouse, friend, or colleague navigating conflict or wanting to deepen connection
Anyone going through a transition such as graduation, parenthood, retirement, or a career pivot asking, “What’s next?”
If any of that sounds like your life or the life of someone you care about, positive psychology can help.
Why? Because the science is clear: these skills lead to better outcomes in nearly every area of life:
More career and financial success
Stronger immune systems and better physical health
Deeper friendships and more fulfilling relationships
Greater resilience during hard times
Better business results
What’s really in it for you?
Tools. Practical, usable tools that help you:
Navigate hard seasons
Lead and grow in your career
Strengthen your relationships
Support your kids, students, or team
Reconnect with your purpose or find a new one
The beauty of positive psychology is that it applies to almost everyone and everything. And yes, I know the counterargument (because I once said it myself): If something applies to everything, it applies to nothing.
But here’s what I say now: When something is rooted in what it means to be human, of course it applies broadly because we all think, feel, struggle, grow, connect, and hope. Positive psychology gives us tools to thrive in whatever role or season we’re in.
On a personal note
Studying positive psychology has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. My marriage is stronger. My career is more purpose-driven. My friendships are richer. My mind is clearer. My body is healthier.
None of that happened overnight, and certainly none of it is perfect. I still struggle. I still fall back into old patterns.
But now I have language, tools, and perspective to help me find my way back. And that became possible once I started (and continue) learning the science and practicing the skills of PERMA-V.
I didn’t choose the MBA path, but I gained something different: a framework for a meaningful life and a bottom line measured in wellbeing.
That’s why I care, and why I invite you to care, too.
