About Flourishing Friday
In a world filled with negative news, pessimism, and cynicism, it's easy to lose sight of the incredible potential and progress of humanity. That's why I created Flourishing Friday – a weekly newsletter designed to celebrate the best of what makes us human and empower you to harness the unique psychological characteristics that allow us to actively shape our lives and the world around us.
As humans, we possess the remarkable power of agency. We are not simply products of our environment or circumstances; instead, we have the ability to make conscious choices, set goals, and take action to improve our lives and contribute positively to society. By recognizing and nurturing these distinctly human capacities, we can break free from the trap of passivity and become active participants in our own lives and the world around us.
As an existential psychologist, I have dedicated my career to understanding the unique cognitive and motivational characteristics that distinguish humans from other species. We are not merely driven by a desire to survive; we also possess a deep-seated need to find significance. Through my extensive research, consulting work, and experience as a public intellectual, I have gained valuable insights into how this search for meaning intertwines with other psychological characteristics such as curiosity, creativity, exploration, collaboration, generosity, and healthy competition. When channeled effectively, these distinctly human capacities drive innovation and inspire hopeful visions of the future, ultimately leading to greater human flourishing.
Each week in Flourishing Friday, I share empowering behavioral science research, encouraging trends, and personal insights. By focusing on what humans do right and how we can do even better, we can cultivate a mindset that promotes personal growth and advances human progress.
Self-criticism and humility are essential, but so too is recognizing and celebrating our potential. Fake optimism and arrogance have no place here; instead, we need to embrace a realistic and aspirational outlook on what is possible when we understand and nurture the best parts of ourselves and each other.
So, why not head into your weekend with a dose of inspiration, empowerment, and a reminder of the incredible things humans are capable of achieving? Subscribe to Flourishing Friday and join a community of individuals committed to unlocking their full potential and contributing to a brighter future for all.
About Clay Routledge
Dr. Clay Routledge, the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute, is a leading expert in existential psychology. With nearly two decades of experience in academia as a professor of psychology, management, and distinguished professor of business, Clay has published over 100 scholarly papers, co-edited three academic books, and authored three books, including his latest, "Past Forward: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life."
In addition to his academic work, Clay has served as an advisor for various businesses and nonprofit organizations. He has provided guidance on critical issues such as leadership, team functioning, employee wellbeing, product development, and marketing. By applying his expertise in psychology and management, Clay helps organizations foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and meaningful work.
As a public intellectual, Clay has contributed to various outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Insider, Fortune, Newsweek, USA Today, and Harvard Business Review. He also wrote the TED-Ed documentary short film "Why Do We Feel Nostalgia?" Clay's work has been featured in numerous media outlets and documentaries, and he has appeared on various television and radio programs and podcasts.
Through his research, consulting, and public engagement, Clay aims to promote a deeper understanding of human flourishing and inspire individuals to lead more meaningful lives.
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