2 minute read
Research 2.0 Insights and new HMW
I decided I needed to take a step back and ask myself what was it that I was really looking for, and what was a good intervention point for the problem I was facing.
During this process I became familiar with the work of Martin Seligman around Positive Psychology and happiness, Mihály Csíkszentmihályi around Flow, and Brené Brown and her amazing research about vulnerability, connection and true belonging.
I realized that what I care the most about is connection. I want to help people to connect with themselves and with others. Because connection gives purpose and meaning to life. And all these things I was learning about were the tools that would help me achieve that.
RESEARCH 2.0
I started with happiness and joy, because I thought, that’s what I want to feel everyday and that’s what I want everyone to feel everyday. But I also wanted to feel creative, inspired, driven, and that’s how I got to the state of flow. How could we achieve that level of engagement more often?
That took me to belonging. It’s only when we truly belong to ourselves, instead of trying to fit in, that we’ll be able to truly connect with the things that we do, the people around us, and with ourselves. And the only way to achieve belonging is by being vulnerable, willing to allow our true selves to be seen. The pretty, the not so pretty, the weird, the amazing, every part of it.
Besides that I continued conducting interviews, asking people about connection, compassion, joy and growth. Going back to research mode allowed me to learn more about social dynamics and self development. It showed me how hard it is to establish a common ground for understanding when we think different, act different or have different believes. It revealed how important it is that we are ready and open to engage in uncomfortable conversations.
I found new insights and a question that would determined a better approach to what I wanted to address: connection.
