From Good to Great

A positive psychology (Credit to Dr Martin Seligman for founding Positive Psychology principles) resource for enhancing wellbeing, meaning, and quality of life

Important note
This resource and the accompanying worksheet are educational tools, not replacements for professional mental health support. Growth work is not about pressure or comparison — it is about alignment and fulfilment.

 

Introduction: Why This Matters

Many wellbeing resources focus on reducing distress, managing stress, or getting through difficult times. While this work is essential, it is only one part of the picture.

There is also value in asking a different question:

“If things are already okay — how could they become even better?”

The From Good to Great approach is not about fixing what is broken. It is about intentionally enhancing what is already working, deepening fulfilment, and creating a life that feels more meaningful, energising, and aligned.

This resource focuses on how people can move beyond “fine” or “good enough” and gently build toward greater wellbeing, satisfaction, and engagement with life.

What Does “Good to Great” Mean in Wellbeing?

In wellbeing terms, good to great does not mean constant happiness, success, or productivity.

It means:

• Feeling more engaged in daily life
• Experiencing a stronger sense of purpose or meaning
• Using personal strengths more intentionally
• Increasing moments of enjoyment, connection, or fulfilment
• Living in closer alignment with values

Greatness here is personal, not comparative.

The Positive Psychology Perspective

Positive psychology is the scientific study of what helps individuals and communities thrive — not just survive.

Rather than focusing solely on problems, it explores:

• Strengths
• Values
• Meaning
• Engagement
• Positive emotion
• Relationships

This approach recognises that wellbeing is not simply the absence of distress, but the presence of fulfilment, growth, and vitality.

Why Growth Matters Even When Life Is “Fine”

When people feel “okay,” they may hesitate to pursue growth because:

• They don’t want to be ungrateful
• They fear creating unnecessary pressure
• They believe growth is only for when things go wrong

In reality, growth-oriented wellbeing:

• Builds resilience for future challenges
• Increases life satisfaction
• Strengthens identity and self-trust
• Encourages intentional living

Growth is not dissatisfaction — it is curiosity about what’s possible.

Strengths: Doing More of What Works

One of the most effective ways to improve quality of life is to identify and use strengths more often.

Strengths may include:

• Kindness
• Creativity
• Persistence
• Curiosity
• Humour
• Leadership
• Empathy

When people use their strengths regularly, they often feel:

• More energised
• More confident
• More authentic

Growth does not require becoming someone new — it involves expressing more of who you already are.

Meaning and Purpose

Meaning comes from feeling that life is about something bigger than comfort or routine.

Meaning can be found in:

• Relationships
• Contribution
• Personal values
• Growth
• Spirituality or Religion
• Service
• Creativity

You do not need a grand mission to live meaningfully. Small, consistent alignment with what matters most can significantly enhance wellbeing.

Engagement and Flow

Engagement refers to being absorbed in activities that feel worthwhile.

You may notice engagement when:

• Time passes quickly
• Attention feels focused
• Effort feels satisfying rather than draining

Increasing engagement often improves mood, confidence, and motivation — without needing to “try harder.”

Positive Emotion Without Pressure

Positive psychology does not promote constant happiness.

Instead, it encourages:

• Noticing small moments of enjoyment
• Savouring positive experiences
• Allowing pleasure without guilt

These moments build emotional resources over time and support overall mental health.

Growth Without Hustle

Moving from good to great is not about:

• Self-optimisation at all costs
• Comparing yourself to others
• Turning life into a project

Sustainable growth:

• Is paced
• Is values-led
• Respects rest and limits
• Enhances life rather than crowding it

Wellbeing improves when growth feels supportive, not demanding.

How This Supports Overall Wellbeing

A good-to-great mindset:

• Increases life satisfaction
• Builds motivation and resilience
• Encourages intentional choices
• Supports long-term mental health
• Creates a sense of direction and vitality

It helps people move from coping to thriving.

How to Use the Worksheets

The accompanying worksheet is designed to:

• Support reflection without pressure
• Identify what already works well
• Encourage small, meaningful enhancements
• Focus on alignment rather than achievement

There are no right answers — only insights.

A Final Note

You do not need to wait until something is wrong to invest in wellbeing.

You are allowed to want more meaning, joy, and fulfilment — even when life is already okay.

Growth is not about dissatisfaction.
It is about possibility.

 

 

How to Access Further Support in New Zealand:

• Contact your local GP

• Dial 111 for immediate support

 • Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

• Youth line – free text 234, call 0800 376 633, webchat at youthline.co.nz, DM on Instagram @youthlinenz, message on Whats App 09 886 56 96.

• Samaritans – 0800 726 666

• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

• Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 To talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions

• Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)