Björn Atterstam
Björn Atterstam is a psychologist, he is a pioneer in human-driven innovations and personal development. For more than 20 years he has been working with large organisations across the world to create novel and impactful approaches for developing strategy, organisations and individuals. Björn studied at Columbia University and Wharton, University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he is currently teaching and researching at Rotterdam School of Management where he is completing his PhD.
Positive Psychology
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What makes you really happy and what do you value most in life? Positive psychology is the scientific study of how people and organisations are enabled to realise their potential optimally. If our brains are in a positive state, we are more productive and accurate. Our happiness is not only the result of our DNA and our environment, but also of the choices we make every day. Learn in this interactive session what you can do to create a happier life for yourself.
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During the expert session, Björn Atterstam initiates interactive engagements by asking participants to rate their happiness levels on the Mentimeter app and share personal insights using the chat function. He uses the app for diagnostic questions throughout the session. Additionally, he encourages participants to consider the positivity-negativity balance in their lives and prioritize happiness-boosting practices. Björn shares practical tips for enhancing happiness through gratitude journaling, expressing appreciation, and nurturing relationships.
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- Cultivating Positive Emotions: Engaging in intentional activities that uplift your mood and increase positive emotions, such as keeping a gratitude journal or expressing appreciation to colleagues, can significantly improve your overall happiness and well-being.
- Balancing Negativity with Positivity: Recognizing the impact of our negativity bias and striving for a higher positivity ratio in personal and professional relationships can lead to better coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and improved work environments.
- Prioritizing Engagement and Meaning: Focusing on what brings meaning and purpose to your life, whether it be deep connections with loved ones, serving others, or working towards a grand vision, can contribute to overall happiness and well-being by providing a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
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In this expert session, Björn Atterstam starts by proposing an experiment where participants put a smile on their faces for 30 seconds, explaining that it can release happiness chemicals in the brain. Björn then proceeds by sharing his background and introducing the topic of positive psychology, which focuses on enhancing well-being and increasing happiness for individuals and organizations. He emphasizes the significance of happiness as a universal theme and encourages participants to assess their current level of happiness using a 1-10 scale, which they can share on the Mentimeter app for further discussion.
Björn delves deeper into positive psychology by discussing its emphasis on optimizing the lives of already functioning individuals instead of traditional psychology's focus on treating illness. He then uses the Mentimeter app to ask participants about the importance of happiness in their own lives.
The core aspects and findings of positive psychology are explored further, starting with the genetic and environmental factors influencing happiness, where genetics account for approximately 50%, and life circumstances account for only around 10%. Björn encourages participants to reflect on personal practices that uplift their mood and increase positive emotions.
Additionally, Björn introduces the concept of positive emotions, emphasizing it's not just about feeling happy but also experiencing various positive emotions like gratitude, joyfulness, or pride. He provides examples showcasing how a positive mood can lead to improved performance in various situations.
Five specific factors that influence happiness and well-being will be explored, focusing on the psychological aspects rather than physical wellness factors. These factors include engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. Björn shares an intriguing study demonstrating how positive experiences help us cope with stress more effectively and emphasizes the significance of nurturing strong relationships for overall happiness and well-being.
Björn concludes the session by discussing the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, represented by the letter 'M' in the Perma acronym. He encourages everyone to reflect on their lives and consider what brings them meaning and purpose. Practical tips for enhancing happiness include keeping a gratitude journal or expressing appreciation more frequently to deepen connections with others.
Throughout the session, Björn shares valuable insights into positive psychology, offering participants practical suggestions for improving their overall well-being and happiness. He emphasizes the significance of intentional acts that uplift moods, focusing on personal strengths, nurturing relationships, and finding meaning and purpose in life.
