Positive Psy-3

3.3 Assignment. Flow and the "Good Life"

Getting Started

Have you ever been so engaged in a task, such as reading a good book, watching a suspenseful movie, or sharing a deep conversation, that you forgot about the passage of time? We’ve all experienced it at least occasionally and for some, it is a common experience. Here are some other examples: Think about the fiction writer frantically trying to capture a scene he has playing out in his head after a few moments of inspiration. Or the accountant repeatedly trying to figure out why numbers on the company spreadsheet don’t match. Or the parent who is desperately researching the Internet for answers that explain her child’s serious health symptoms. Or the chess player who is strategically plotting out seven moves in advance to stave off the advance of his opponent. These are just a few examples of what has been called the “flow.” Flow describes a person’s ability to concentrate intently, to the point of blocking out all other external stimuli.

The concept of flow was popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who after interviewing thousands of people from many different walks of life—chess players, mountain climbers, tennis players, ballet dancers, surgeons, etc.—came to some fascinating conclusions. He interviewed this diverse group of people because he wanted to learn how they were able to perform at such high levels over an extended period of time. He came to the conclusion that  flow (or the ability to get into a zone of sorts) played a major part in their sustained achievement.

Csikszentmihalyi also is convinced that anyone can experience flow. He believes it is a universal experience that we all have to some extent without realizing it. And it can be practiced so that we experience it more frequently. He says being in “flow” is characterized by:

· Complete concentration on what you are doing at the present moment. The activity becomes almost automatic, and the involvement seems almost effortless.

· Transformation of time. Usually, time passes much faster than expected and you lose awareness of yourself.

· Activities are intrinsically rewarding and are engaged in because the activity itself is enjoyable instead of just a means to achieving an end goal.

Flow is another term for Engagement in the PERMA model.

In this assignment, you will explore the concept of “flow,” which is one of the five aspects of the Good Life as promoted by Martin Seligman. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to identify at least one area where you experience flow and how it integrates with Positive Psychology and Life Coaching.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Examine the relationship between the concept of flow and deep engagement in life tasks/relationships.

Background Information

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi compiled his research into a book entitled  Flow. Csikszentmihalyi is a leading figure in the Positive Psychology movement and his ideas about flow, creativity, and productivity have been widely embraced by life coaching professionals.

To get the most from this assignment, think carefully about the activities or people where you have naturally experienced the sense of flow and this will lead you to additional ways you could deliberately incorporate flow into your personal life and professionally as a life coach.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read Chapter 6, “Time and How We Spend It: Helping Clients Increase Engagement, Flow, and Meaning in Their Lives,” in your textbook  Positive Psychology in Coaching: Applying Science to Executive and Personal Coaching.

3. Watch the video “Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Animated Book Review" and/or read the  Flow (Word document)  video transcript:

4. Be sure to meet with the person you identified in Workshop One as planned. Discuss your current thoughts about the Good Life to this point. Share your thoughts, themes that you've previously identified, and ask your friend or colleague what they think the Good Life means to them.

5. Write a three- to four-page paper in response to your conversation about the Good Life and the following:

a. Summarize your conversation with your contact and key lessons learned about the Good Life.

b. Name at least one interest, activity, task, or relationship you have experienced that meets the three characteristics listed in the Introduction section for being in “flow.” Describe the experience in some detail.

c. What makes engagement with this particular experience so enjoyable and rewarding? Be specific.

d. Explain how the concept of “flow” integrates with your understanding of positive psychology and the “Good Life” as discussed in Workshop One.

e. Explain one way you might be able to deliberately incorporate “flow” into your chosen profession as a life coach. Be concrete and specific.

6. Be  specific in your responses and use concrete examples from your conversation, your textbook, supplemental readings, outside sources, and personal experiences to frame your writing.

3.4 Assignment. TED-Style Talk Reflection Journal

Getting Started

Remember, the TED-style talk is separate from your Capstone Project. They are two separate projects that you will be working on, refining and implementing or presenting in the next two courses. The TED-style talk will be due in PSY 563 and your Capstone Project is due in PSY 590. In the previous course, you made some clear decisions regarding your upcoming TED-style talk, such as:

· Summarizing what your TED-style talk will be about

· How your topic relates to your personal journey

· How you might incorporate a solution into your talk that solves a problem that would benefit others

· Your chosen format (speech, podcast, animation, etc.)

In this journal, you are going to take those previous decisions and put them into motion. Specifically, you will go into greater detail and begin planning, designing and writing the content and identifying the actual resources you will need to do your talk.

This next step is particularly important because it will enable you to approach your TED-style talk with confidence, knowing the details that will help you to pull it all together.

To make organizing this easy for you, we’ve provided a template that will help you shape your ideas into a logical plan. This template is simply a one-page document that gives structure to your ideas. Once you open the document, you can simply insert your responses under each section. Be as detailed in your responses as possible. It’s fine if the completed document extends to two or more pages. This elaboration will only help you to take the next step, which is to actually finalize and record the TED-style talk in the next course.

Keep in mind that your TED-style talk needs to be between 15-20 minutes in length.  You don’t want to go much longer than that as you may lose the listener’s interest. 

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Explain in detailed fashion the main points and sub-points of your TED-style talk, the format, and all of the resources necessary to prepare and deliver the final product.

Background Information

After reading the assigned textbook chapter and article, fill out the template provided. Your TED-style talk should be a synthesis of your personal, heroic journey, an aspect of your story, and positive psychology or well-being that you are curious about and have learned in this program. It is particularly important that you spend adequate time thinking through the content you will insert into this template. This document will act as the blueprint for finalizing and recording your TED-style talk in the next course. If you are unsure how to fill in certain sections, contact your course instructor for guidance.

Instructions

1. Remember, the TED-style talk is separate from your Capstone Project. The TED-style talk and the Capstone Projects are two separate projects that you will be working on, refining, and implementing or presenting in the final course. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read Chapter 5, “Coaching for Accomplishment: How to Help Clients Develop Competence as Well as Strengths,” in your textbook  Positive Psychology in Coaching: Applying Science to Executive and Personal Coaching.

3. Review  12 Presentation Hooks Used by the Best TED Presenters (new tab)  and watch some actual TED talks.

4. Read the article  10 Ways to Prepare for a TED Style Talk (new tab) .

5. Your TED-style talk should be an integration of your personal journey and key concepts you are learning in this program related to positive psychology, well-being, or some other personal development perspective that interests you. After reading the assigned textbook chapter and article, download the  TED-Style Talk Template (Word document)  and respond to the following in a one-page document:

a. Keep in mind that your TED-style talk needs to be between 15-20 minutes in length. 

b. Summarize the topic of your TED-style talk in one sentence.

c. Create an outline that includes at least three main points with at least two sub-points under each main point and a final takeaway that you hope listeners will take action on.

d. What is your chosen delivery format for your TED-style talk? Be specific.

e. What equipment, software, consultation, or learning do you need to acquire before the end of this course in order to start developing your actual talk? Again, be specific.

f. What steps will you need to take to secure those resources before the end of the course? Provide a timetable for when you will acquire them.

g. What additional guidance do you need from the instructor to complete your TED-style talk plan during this course?

3.2 The Blessings of Gratitude

INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to the two discussion posts below in 100 to 150 words.

Sainquta

Hi everyone,

Below is my letter of Gratitude to my friend Mary:

Dear Mary,  Reflecting on our journey together brings back a wave of gratitude. Our relationship began when I met our friend Penny in 2016, who introduced us at church. You told me that you were the hiring manager at Ivy Tech Community College, and you told me that I could quit my job at the gas station I was working at and work at the college and get a free education. We worked together for a few years, and during that time, you became not just an employer and church member but a friend, mentor, and guiding force in my life. Your unwavering support and belief in my potential have shaped who I am today. 

Before I met you, my life felt stagnant. I had ambitions and dreams, but the path to achieving them was foggy. I was working jobs that barely paid the bills, with little hope of advancing or attaining a meaningful career. Education seemed like a distant dream, largely because I had dropped out and not been in school for years. I frequently felt overwhelmed and unsure about the future, merely going through the motions of day-to-day life.  

However, the gift you gave me was transformative. You saw something in me that I did not entirely recognize during those times. When you offered me the job at Ivy Tech, it was not just a means to an income—it was an entry point into a world of opportunities. Through this position, I gained access to resources, networks, and a free education. The chance to pursue my associate’s degree felt like a door had been flung open, allowing me to step into a more promising future.  

This “gift” has profoundly shaped my life. The education I received strengthened my professional skills and instilled a sense of confidence that I carry with me to this day. I learned the importance of hard work, resilience, and the value of investing in oneself. The stability and knowledge I gained positioned me for further opportunities, setting the foundation for my career. 

Today, I strive to pass on the gift you gave me. I actively seek ways to support others in their educational and professional journeys, for example, by encouraging them to pursue their goals and return to school. I aim to empower others the way you empowered me. Your influence resonates in my actions, demonstrating the ripple effect of your kindness. Thank you, Mary, for believing in me and changing my life in ways I cannot express entirely. I will always cherish the impact you have had on my journey.     Thank you,  Sainquta 

Crystal

Dear Shon,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible gift you have given me.

You started as my Drill Sergeant, became my coach/trainer for the 23rd Annual Bataan Death March, and later served as my S3 NCO, where you took me under your wing and showed me the S3 ropes so I could eventually transition into the position. Your guidance and support throughout these roles were invaluable.

Before receiving this incredible gift, my life in the Army was demanding and rigorous. While I found purpose and strength in my service, moments of uncertainty and struggle tested my resilience. I often felt overwhelmed by the challenges and responsibilities, and I questioned my ability to navigate the complexities of military life.

            The gift you gave me was your time and mentorship. You showed patience, made every moment a teaching moment, never gave up on us, pushed us out of our comfort zone, and forced us to believe in something greater than ourselves. Your guidance was significant because it gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. You taught me to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and strive for excellence in everything I do. This mentorship profoundly impacted my growth and development, both professionally and personally.

Receiving this gift changed my life profoundly. It helped me to gain clarity, develop new skills, and find a new purpose. Your mentorship instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination that continues to guide me today. Even now, I feel the positive influence of your support through increased confidence, a strong sense of direction, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The lessons you taught me have become integral to my identity, shaping my approach to challenges and interactions with others.

 Inspired by your generosity, I am committed to passing this gift on to others. I strive to be a mentor offering the same level of support and guidance you provided me. By sharing the knowledge I have gained, encouraging others to push their boundaries, and providing a steadfast source of support, I hope to make a lasting impact on those I mentor. Your example has shown me the profound difference that mentorship can make, and I am dedicated to paying it forward.

Thank you sincerely for your incredible kindness and for believing in me. You have made a lasting difference, and I am forever grateful.

Warm regards,

Crystal

3.3 Assignment. Flow and the "Good Life"

Getting Started

Have you ever been so engaged in a task, such as reading a good book, watching a suspenseful movie, or sharing a deep conversation, that you forgot about the passage of time? We’ve all experienced it at least occasionally and for some, it is a common experience. Here are some other examples: Think about the fiction writer frantically trying to capture a scene he has playing out in his head after a few moments of inspiration. Or the accountant repeatedly trying to figure out why numbers on the company spreadsheet don’t match. Or the parent who is desperately researching the Internet for answers that explain her child’s serious health symptoms. Or the chess player who is strategically plotting out seven moves in advance to stave off the advance of his opponent. These are just a few examples of what has been called the “flow.” Flow describes a person’s ability to concentrate intently, to the point of blocking out all other external stimuli.

The concept of flow was popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who after interviewing thousands of people from many different walks of life—chess players, mountain climbers, tennis players, ballet dancers, surgeons, etc.—came to some fascinating conclusions. He interviewed this diverse group of people because he wanted to learn how they were able to perform at such high levels over an extended period of time. He came to the conclusion that  flow (or the ability to get into a zone of sorts) played a major part in their sustained achievement.

Csikszentmihalyi also is convinced that anyone can experience flow. He believes it is a universal experience that we all have to some extent without realizing it. And it can be practiced so that we experience it more frequently. He says being in “flow” is characterized by:

· Complete concentration on what you are doing at the present moment. The activity becomes almost automatic, and the involvement seems almost effortless.

· Transformation of time. Usually, time passes much faster than expected and you lose awareness of yourself.

· Activities are intrinsically rewarding and are engaged in because the activity itself is enjoyable instead of just a means to achieving an end goal.

Flow is another term for Engagement in the PERMA model.

In this assignment, you will explore the concept of “flow,” which is one of the five aspects of the Good Life as promoted by Martin Seligman. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to identify at least one area where you experience flow and how it integrates with Positive Psychology and Life Coaching.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Examine the relationship between the concept of flow and deep engagement in life tasks/relationships.

Background Information

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi compiled his research into a book entitled  Flow. Csikszentmihalyi is a leading figure in the Positive Psychology movement and his ideas about flow, creativity, and productivity have been widely embraced by life coaching professionals.

To get the most from this assignment, think carefully about the activities or people where you have naturally experienced the sense of flow and this will lead you to additional ways you could deliberately incorporate flow into your personal life and professionally as a life coach.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read Chapter 6, “Time and How We Spend It: Helping Clients Increase Engagement, Flow, and Meaning in Their Lives,” in your textbook  Positive Psychology in Coaching: Applying Science to Executive and Personal Coaching.

3. Watch the video “Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Animated Book Review" and/or read the  Flow (Word document)  video transcript:

4. Be sure to meet with the person you identified in Workshop One as planned. Discuss your current thoughts about the Good Life to this point. Share your thoughts, themes that you've previously identified, and ask your friend or colleague what they think the Good Life means to them.

5. Write a three- to four-page paper in response to your conversation about the Good Life and the following:

a. Summarize your conversation with your contact and key lessons learned about the Good Life.

b. Name at least one interest, activity, task, or relationship you have experienced that meets the three characteristics listed in the Introduction section for being in “flow.” Describe the experience in some detail.

c. What makes engagement with this particular experience so enjoyable and rewarding? Be specific.

d. Explain how the concept of “flow” integrates with your understanding of positive psychology and the “Good Life” as discussed in Workshop One.

e. Explain one way you might be able to deliberately incorporate “flow” into your chosen profession as a life coach. Be concrete and specific.

6. Be  specific in your responses and use concrete examples from your conversation, your textbook, supplemental readings, outside sources, and personal experiences to frame your writing.