Givers and Takers

Are you a giver or a taker? Could a friend call you in crisis at 3 a.m.? Are your friends meant to entertain you or do they add meaning to your life? Do you share each others' joys or are you in competition?

Martin Seligman, author of "Flourish", defines the elements of well-being. One element that resonates with me is Positive Relationships. Seligman states, "...we scientists have found that doing a kindness produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well-being of any exercise we have tested."

Takers may enjoy more immediate self-gratification but it's the givers who have increased well-being. I'm going to take Seligman's advice and strive towards enjoying positive emotion, engaging with people I care about, having meaning in my life, achieving my work goals (accomplishment) and maintaining good relationships. These are the five elements of his well-being theory.