Shawn Achor American psychologist, author and entrepreneur, CEO of 'Good Think Inc' and positive psychology specialist Country: USA

Biography of Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor is an American psychologist, writer, and entrepreneur, best known as the CEO of 'Good Think Inc' and a specialist in positive psychology. He believes that true happiness is not achieved through material possessions or accomplishments, but rather by being happy from the start.

Achor's expertise in positive psychology has earned him numerous awards for teaching. Most notably, he teaches one of the most popular courses at Harvard University on positive psychology. With a deep understanding of this field, Achor currently serves as the CEO of 'Good Think Inc', a consulting company based in Cambridge. The company is well-known for its intriguing theories and concepts.

At 'Good Think Inc', Achor and his colleagues, including Michelle Gielan, study individuals who are above average in various criteria. They explore how human potential, success, and happiness are interconnected. Their research is not only applied in consultancy but also in educational projects.

Achor gained public attention in 2011 after delivering a powerful speech. By that time, he had already experienced fame with his bestselling book on positive psychology, "The Happiness Advantage". Subsequently, Achor shifted his research focus to understanding why some individuals can make positive changes in their lives while others remain stuck in unpleasant routines. This quest led to his latest book, "Before Happiness".

According to Achor, there are five essential elements for developing positive thinking. He asserts that even before individuals attempt to change their lives, their brains have already created a perception of whether such changes are possible. Essentially, this forecast becomes self-fulfilling, making it challenging to overcome one's own pessimism. Achor believes that the main issue for those who struggle with motivation lies in a lack of positive thinking.

However, Achor acknowledges that positive thinking, like any useful tool, can be misused. Irrational optimism about goals or deadlines can lead to disappointment when harsh reality sets in. One common mistake is individuals trying to mold themselves into something they are not, disregarding their innate talents and abilities.

Unlike some proponents of psychological mysticism, who attribute almost magical powers to positive thinking, Achor understands that optimism has its limitations, although it is mighty. Setting realistic goals, assessing one's abilities accurately, and maintaining a realistic view of the world do not contradict Achor's ideas. In fact, practice shows that even a realistic perspective can be accompanied by a smile, bringing immense pleasure.