Cultivating Joy and Happiness: Meeting with Sophie Cliff, Positive Psychology Practitioner

When was the last time you felt genuine happiness? This seemingly simple question has significant depth to understanding the essence of our existence. In our fast-paced and hectic lives, where a multitude of responsibilities and challenges compete for our Be careful, it is easy to underestimate the importance of such a question.

Recent statistics paint a bleak picture: despite progress in various areas, rates of depression and anxiety are increasing globally, and according to the World Happiness Report, only 38% of people surveyed report feeling genuine happiness.

This is where the role of Sophie Cliff, affectionately known as the “Joyful Coach”, comes into play. Author, podcast host, certified coach and practitioner in positive psychology, she now supports individuals and businesses towards a fulfilling and optimistic life.

Sophie's journey began in the bustling world of sales and marketing, where she worked for world-renowned companies such as the Walt Disney Company, which is often referred to as the "happiest place to work on earth" along with its theme parks.

In this interview, we explore concepts such as happiness, joy, well-being, personal growth and positive psychology. We also look at how to instill these values ​​in young people and guide individuals and organizations towards a happier way of life.

1) Can you introduce yourself and tell us more about your background and what led you to become the “Joyeuse Coach”?

Today, I am primarily recognized as a coach, author, and positive psychology practitioner. However, my path wasn’t always headed in that direction. For the first decade of my career, I worked in sales and marketing for major global organizations such as the Walt Disney Company and Hallmark.

I had a career that, on paper, seemed accomplished. It was the kind of career that people around me would always say, "That sounds amazing, that sounds so impressive." But yet, I never felt like that career was really for me.

In 2016, I unfortunately experienced the loss of a loved one, an event that deeply marked my life. This period was a real turning point for me. As I reflect on my life, I clearly distinguish two distinct periods: before and after this tragedy. The last seven years have been trying and marked by my efforts to overcome this loss and find new meaning in my life.

During this time of mourning and rebuilding, I realized the crucial importance of cultivating joy and using the tools of positive psychology to regain a sense of well-being. This is how my mission to become the "Joyful Coach" took shape, leading me to accompany others in their quest for happiness and personal fulfillment.

2) What are the fundamental principles of positive psychology and how do they differ from traditional psychology?

Until 2000, when positive psychology became an official field of psychology, mainstream psychology focused primarily on helping people transition from a state of 'minus 10 to zero' . In other words, it focused on helping people overcome mental illness, understand psychological disorders, and identify brain dysfunctions.

Positive psychology, on the other hand, explores how to elevate individuals from a state of 'zero to a plus 10'. It looks at the lives of those who enjoy considerable well-being, robust mental health and optimal fulfillment in order to identify 'pillars' that can be applied to the general population to improve levels of happiness, satisfaction and overall mental health.

This approach resonates with me because it reflects our attitude toward physical health. We are always focused on how to move from a state of 'zero to a plus 10'. Every day, we take actions to improve our physical health, whether it's getting enough sleep, drinking water, taking vitamins, eating vegetables, or exercising.

We don’t wait until we get injured to strengthen our muscles, or until we get sick to think about our diet. We recognize the importance of preventative measures to maintain our health. This is where positive psychology comes in. How can we focus on what makes us feel good? How can we integrate these practices into our daily lives to feel better mentally?

Positive psychology is sometimes unfairly criticized in the media, being seen as vague or encouraging a form of toxic positivity. However, it is a formal field of psychology, rigorously studied and held to the same academic standards as any other field of research.

3) Can you briefly explain the difference between joy and happiness?

Joy and happiness are often thought of as the same thing, with the terms frequently used interchangeably. However, much research suggests that they are actually distinct concepts.

Happiness tends to be circumstantial. We feel happiness because something has happened, such as celebrating a birthday, receiving a compliment, or having a successful day at work. It often takes an external event for this feeling of happiness to manifest.

Joy, on the other hand, is not circumstantial. It is an emotion or feeling that we can cultivate. Practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and deeper relationships serve as effective tools for nurturing joy rather than simply waiting for it to manifest.

4) In an increasing number of German classrooms, happiness is now taught, a trend that has also developed in Austria and Switzerland.

So can we learn to be happy?

Happiness can indeed be taught, according to a wealth of research that supports this idea by harnessing the concept of neuroplasticity. This essentially means that our brains are malleable, allowing us to reconfigure our neural pathways like playdough, sculpting and reshaping them with the right tools, ideas, and strategies.

A key way to do this is to focus on our strengths. Too often, in businesses, schools, and anywhere else we gather, we dwell on our weaknesses, seeking to continually improve ourselves. We rarely value our existing strengths. But positive psychology teaches us that the more we focus on our strengths, the more likely we are to create an environment that fosters creativity, builds resilience, and builds stronger connections with others.

Another effective method is to foster relationships within these environments. Organizational efforts to deepen connections go a long way toward creating positive learning environments. Think about how you can get your teams to truly work together, encourage deeper conversations beyond the day-to-day, celebrate wins together, and foster connections across teams or departments by providing opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

5) Turning our attention to the youngest and adolescents, how can we proceed?

One practice I would highly recommend for children and teens is to encourage them to reflect on gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of their daily lives. The more we focus on the positive elements in our daily lives, the more likely we are to notice them, which leads to an increase in positivity and optimism. Therefore, it is beneficial to encourage young people to “meditate” on the best parts of their day, what they currently appreciate, and what they are grateful for. These practices help establish a habit of gratitude for what is around us.

6) The "positive attitude" is a concept that generates much discussion. How can we balance this idea of ​​happiness at all costs with the so-called negative emotions that we all feel? What are the potential long-term consequences of suppressing or avoiding these emotions?

This is a really crucial question. Sometimes we hear about “toxic positivity” and how the pursuit of happiness or joy might actually contribute to unhappiness by repressing negative emotions. In response, I always stress the importance of feeling all emotions. Nothing we repress goes away; it builds up and can resurface later. Therefore, it is essential to recognize and address feelings of sadness, grief, and anger, as they are signals for needed change or action.

Living joyfully doesn’t mean eliminating negative emotions, but rather giving equal time and attention to the positive aspects of our lives. While we are naturally inclined to focus on the negativity due to our inherent bias, we must strive to find balance by devoting time and attention to positive experiences. This is where practices like mindfulness, gratitude, strengthening social connections, and emphasizing our strengths come into play. These practices help us cultivate a mindset that values ​​and appreciates the positive in life.

7) 2024 is shaping up to be a busy year for you. Could you tell us more about your plans?

I do have several exciting new projects coming up. First, I am excited about the “Choose Joy Club,” where I teach and share positive psychology strategies to help a group of individuals build more joyful lives in their daily lives.
Additionally, I have another major project planned for the end of the year, but I can't reveal the details yet. However, if you follow me on Instagram @sophiecliff, you'll be the first to know when I can reveal more.

Links: www.sophiecliff.com