Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine (sm)

"Positive Psychology to the Rescue"
April 2008

Published by Maurine D. Patten, Ed.D., CMC
Founder & CEO, Patten Coaching & Consulting
www.pattencoaching.com

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In This Issue:

1. Preview

2. Do You Want To Be Wiser?


3. Getting into Action

4. Looking Ahead

1. Preview

Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine explores how to progress rapidly from dreams to action.  It is a free monthly email newsletter written by Maurine D. Patten, life coach and clinical psychologist.

Using Positive Psychology, topics are presented from the perspective of Maurine Patten and are provided to help you get the results you want.  It will helpl you manage change, improve your Emotinal Intelligence and make better decisions with less effort.

As our country prepares for the presidential election in November, voters must decide which candidate will be a wise leader.  In order to do this, you need to be a wise voter.  This issue gives you a checklist you can use to increase your level of wisdom.

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2. Do You Want To Be Wiser?

Wisdom is defined as judging rightly and following the soundest course of action.  Positive Psychology research identifies thinking and behavior patterns that indicate the character strength of wisdom in Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman's book of "Character Strengths and Virtues" (2004).  More recently, researchers Dr. Barry Schwartz and Kenneth Sharpe believe it is essential to have practical wisdom (perspective) as a "master" strength.

It is known that wisdom:
  • Is separate from intelligence.
  • Is based on information, life experience, and understanding.
  • Represents a higher level of knowledge, judgment, and capacity to give advice.
  • Lets you address important and difficult questions about the meaning of life.
  • Is used for the good of yourself as well as others.

In addition to the character strength of Wisdom/Perspective, strengths in Creativity, Curiosity, Open-mindedness, and Love of Learning contribute to the over-all Virtue of Wisdom/Knowledge.

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3. Getting into Action

Wisdom is learned through experiece, not taught.  It is acquired by the successful resolution of crises and hardship.  The capacity to integrate and find meaning and purpose in stressful life events is a prerequisite for practical wisdom or perspective.

Ways of improving practical wisdom are:
  • Be as active in your career during your 30's as possible to solidify your career plans.  This is also a good time to make major life changes.
  • Successfully resolve any crises or hardships you might be experiencing.
  • Find meaning and purpose in stressful events and respond well to them.
  • Concentrate on doing "good" rather than feeling good.
  • Resolve any regrets that you migh have.
  • Find a mentor.
In addition, psychologist Johathan Haidt encourages people to:
  • Read classic works of literature and philosophy; reflect on their truth and value for you.
  • Think of something from another point of view; explain the broader outlook of your life in one or two sentences.
  • Find purposefulness in your last five significant actions/decisions.  Generate wise alternatives for your future.
  • Look up prominent, wise people in history.  Read or watch a film based on their life.  How can their lives guide your decisions/actions?
  • Think of the wisest person you know; try to live each day as that person would live.
  • Talk with older people about their lives and the lessons they have learned.
  • Be aware of the moral implications and possible consequences of your actions.
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4. Looking Ahead

Wisdom is a positive predictor of successful aging.  It helps you balance your other strengths, i.e. honesty, kindness, justice, self-control, or zest to mention a few.

I hope you will try some of the above options for becoming wiser.  Your benefit will be an increased sense of inner calmness about the choices and decisions you make in your life.

Need a gift for someone.  Consider a coaching call.  Check my website, www.PattenCoaching.com/Resources for more information. 

If you need a coach to help you, I would love to hear from you.


Maurine Patten
mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com

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Contact Information

Patten Coaching & Consulting

Voice: 630-584-8936
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E-Mail: mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com
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With advance permission, we are happy to edit an issue to fit your space requirements. Republication also is encouraged under other circumstances. However, the advance permission of Patten Coaching and Consulting must be obtained in the event that changes in the text are desired.

Mission

Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine is dedicated to inspiring and expanding your perspective in order for you to move forward in your personal and professional life.

Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine is a publication of Patten Coaching & Consulting; CEO, Maurine D. Patten, Ed.D. CMC; mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com

We would like Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine to be as interactive as possible. If you have feedback, comments, topics you would like addressed, or can suggest additional resources to benefit us all, please email us at any time. Send your e-mail to ezinefeedback@pattencoaching.com.

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Archives

You can read previous issues of Achieving Personal Fulfillment Ezine in our archives on our archives page.

About Maurine D. Patten, Ed.D., CMC

Maurine Patten is a clinical psychologist and certified life/business/retirement coach.  Her professional career includes: independent business owner (27 years), Assistant Professor at Chicago State University, and consultant for education and business. She is a graduate of the MentorCoach program and a member of the International Coach Federation. She is experienced in training and management development for large national and international firms. She has a strong background in working with individuals and couples on clarifying and achieving goals.

Dr. Patten has training in coaching,  Emotional Intelligence, retirement assessment and planning, cognitive therapy and health psychology. She has published articles, made presentations, and conducted workshops about:
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Creating a Fulfilling Retirement
  • Anxiety and Achievement
  • Setting and Achieving Goals 
  • Stress Management
  • Self-Esteem
  • Communication Skills
  • Marital/relationship Enrichment
  • Wellness Issues
  • The Psychology of Happiness
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