Explore the concept of learned helplessness and its counterpart, learned optimism and learn why some individuals remain resilient and hopeful despite setbacks while others give up. Discover how optimists’ explanations of adversity differ from pessimists and how this understanding forms the cornerstone of applied positive psychology. Learn why mental performance and mindset training focus on how athletes think, not just their actions.
00:00 Introduction to Learned Helplessness
00:06 The Origins of Learned Helplessness
00:48 Resilience and Optimism
01:16 Optimism as a Learned Behavior
Learn more about Martin Seligman’s work in learned helplessness and learned optimism with these books available on Amazon:
Learned Helplessness: A Theory for the Age of Personal Control: https://amzn.to/4rNbt6H
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life: https://amzn.to/3MHH7U8
Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Wellbeing: https://amzn.to/3MHH7U8
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment: https://amzn.to/4rVpfEy
The Mental Weight Room is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream your podcasts.
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