by Louis Cinquino Every once in a while, I am called in for a critical and rewarding assignment: babysitting my granddaughter. We snack, bounce balls, handle toys, read books, climb steps, and jump on the couch or trampoline. But much of our time is spent doing one thing we are all familiar with, but which adults refer to by another name. You and I call it running—she calls it playing. Which begs the question, when did we start to think of...

by Caren Osten When my 18-year-old son returns home from his freshman year at college, the thumping sounds of Fortnite, screams about NY Yankees’ home runs, and over-zealous commands for our dog to chase a tennis ball will stomp out the tranquility that has pervaded my home for the last nine months. Will I ask him to quiet the screens and keep his voice down? Or will I wax nostalgic about how I’ve missed all the noise, and smile...

by Denise Riebman After my Scandinavian vacation last summer, I wrote a blog about how one of the Danish secrets to career happiness is biking to work. A few months later, I moved in with my boyfriend, which increased my 15-minute commute via bike into an hour-plus commute by car, metro, and walking—yet I’m happier than ever. How did this happen? Focus on What You Can Control While a very long commute by car does increase tension and...

by Sanj Katyal Sanj Katyal, MD, a graduate of WBI’s Certificate in Positive Psychology and Positive Psychology Coaching program, is the founder of Positive Psychology Program for Physicians. The following is an excerpt from his new book Positive Philosophy: Ancient and Modern Wisdom to Create a Flourishing Life. After finishing my residency and fellowship, I was on the typical path of most young doctors. I was excited about my new private...

by Jennifer Hanawald It’s a real dichotomy. On one hand, positive psychology–based coaching is meaningful and connected work; on the other hand, it can be isolating. Training and client time are rich and interactive, but after certification is over, building a business and developing your skills can be a lonely grind. And coaches know it. In every class I’ve been involved in, whether as student or facilitator, I’ve witnessed calls for...

by Louis Cinquino The ways in which we decide to use our time and energy represent the most significant choices we make in our lives. No one can see our intentions—they only see what we do. In fact, we see ourselves the same way. As we observe what we are actually doing, our view of ourselves changes. Intention may lead to action, but sometimes intentions are just ideas that don’t go anywhere. I may hold the intention to skydive someday,...