My doctoral thesis was about biological transformation and how the hidden intelligence inside each cell communicates with the whole entity as change is happening. I netted a tank full of tadpoles from a local pond and then studied them at intervals as they metamorphosed slowly into frogs. The same question that guided my research then is still exciting now: What is the natural intelligence that guides transformation?

Tadpoles are fascinating to watch. They’re orderly change artists, masters of subtle and sneaky transformation. Perfectly engineered water wonders, tadpoles have big heads and graceful, tapering tails that offer little resistance to forward movement. With no fanfare at all, the pollywog simply starts to change one day: His tail gets shorter as his body absorbs it, and he sprouts four tiny limb buds.

Positive psychology – the study of how to improve a person’s happiness and quality of life – is a new trend that is rapidly changing traditional psychology and mental health care. The idea is developing after years of evidence-based research and a Baylor University professor is helping lead the way.Dr. Michael Frisch, a professor of psychology at Baylor, has put forth the newest and, some say, the most comprehensive approach to positive psychology in a new book, Quality of Life Therapy. Frisch will present his new book and related research findings on Oct. 7 in Washington D.C., at the International Positive Psychology Summit, the premiere group in the field that helps bring attention to emerging ideas or treatments.

The world is a collection of unlimited wealth and resources – yet we often limit our potential by moving in our own small circles because of our fears. If we change the way we view the world, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

I think that the greatest opportunity in life is to have a sense of who you are. To me, that means being comfortable with yourself and your surroundings. It’s connecting to what’s real and being able to feel your authenticity. It’s looking past labels. It’s having clarity about your life and your possibilities by viewing your life from a higher point than where you are now. It’s being able to establish a personal- and professional-performance program to build, leverage, and position yourself in your chosen area of influence. It’s wanting to perform up to your potential – and being able to do so.

Make it Nonnegotiable
Promise yourself that you are absolutely going to do it. When you do it, where you do it, how you do it can, and most likely will, change according to circumstances. But that you will do it is not open for consideration. Call it a vow, a promise, a pledge, a commitment. Whatever you name it, making it choiceless is a tool for overcoming backsliding after your initial enthusiasm fades. You don�t negotiate with yourself about brushing your teeth. You just do it. I bet you usually honor your commitments to other people too. Treat yourself equally well. Make your resolution a nonnegotiable commitment in your life.