The Ingredients for Flourishing and a Life of Meaning with Dr. Corey Keyes
This episode explores Dr. Corey Keyes's framework for human flourishing, moving beyond the mere absence of mental illness to identify five dimensions that enable people to thrive. Host Adam Morrisey and Dr. Keyes discuss how individuals can transition from languishing to a life of genuine meaning and wellbeing. The conversation draws on decades of sociological and psychological research to offer actionable insights for both personal and organizational health.
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Key takeaways
Flourishing is not simply the absence of mental illness — it is a distinct, positive state of wellbeing with measurable dimensions.
Dr. Keyes identifies five key dimensions that move individuals from languishing toward genuine human flourishing.
Organizations and individuals can actively cultivate the conditions for flourishing rather than merely treating symptoms of poor mental health.
How do we live a life of meaning in today’s challenging world? With the global pandemic amplifying feelings of disconnection and aimlessness, society is now grappling with how to transition from merely surviving to truly flourishing. Dr. Corey Keyes, a prominent figure in the field of positive psychology, explores these themes in his latest book, Languishing. But what does it take to move from a state of languishing to one of flourishing?
In this episode of Tuesdays with Morrisey, host Adam Morrisey dives deep into this topic with Dr. Corey Keyes, a recently retired sociology professor from Emory University and a pioneering researcher on the science of flourishing. Dr. Keyes offers insights into why society’s obsession with happiness might be misguided and outlines the essential elements that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Episode Highlights:
– The Growing State of Languishing: Dr. Keyes defines languishing as the absence of positive and meaningful life aspects such as direction, meaning, contribution, and belonging. He notes that the pandemic has exacerbated this state, leading to a widespread sense of numbness and disconnection.
Flourishing involves more than just feeling good; it requires functioning well in areas like self-acceptance, purpose, personal growth, positive relationships, and social contribution.
– Overemphasis on Happiness: Society’s pursuit of happiness, often at the expense of deeper fulfillment, is critiqued by Dr. Keyes. He emphasizes that happiness should naturally arise from a life filled with purpose and connection rather than being an isolated goal.
– Ingredients for Flourishing: Flourishing involves more than just feeling good; it requires functioning well in areas like self-acceptance, purpose, personal growth, positive relationships, and social contribution. Dr. Keyes outlines five key activities for flourishing: helping others, continuous learning, engaging in spiritual practices, connecting with others, and participating in active leisure.
Dr. Corey Keyes is a retired professor of sociology from Emory University and a leading figure in the positive psychology movement. He is renowned for his research on mental well-being and flourishing and is the author of Languishing. Dr. Keyes was one of the first to teach a university course on happiness and has dedicated his career to understanding the complexities of human flourishing.
About the author
Strategic thinker, continuous learner, and connector. Experience working with high growth and established businesses in strategic, financial, managerial, and operational capacities. Track record of excelling amidst ambiguity, across differences and in a variety of industries and environments. Adam is currently Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Shipshape, a rapidly growing start-up out of Austin, TX focused on helping homeowners monitor and maintain the critical systems of their homes through the application of AI and IOT technologies, with the ultimate goal of making homes smart enough to take care of themselves. Shipshape empowers homeowners with powerful data to help them make smarter decisions about their home and connect them to other service providers in the home support industry. In Adam’s role, he seeks win-win outcomes with strategic partners in the service contractor, manufacturer, insurance, real estate, energy, and smart home sectors. Prior to Shipshape, Adam was a Director at Trumont Group, a privately held investment firm with offices in Dallas and Phoenix. Adam attended Miami University (Ohio) and started his career at PwC. In the community, Adam works closely with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Beyond the Ball and Social Venture Partners. In his free time, Adam enjoys reading, writing, traveling and hosting the "Tuesdays with Morrisey" podcast which facilitates conversations with authors, entrepreneurs and thought-leaders.
