1179: Dr. Martin Seligman on How Agency Propels Flourishing

1179: Dr. Martin Seligman on How Agency Propels Flourishing

Author: How to be Awesome at Your Job September 10, 2026 Duration: 36:44
The father of positive psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman, discusses how to harness the hidden engine of human progress: agency. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) The key concept that determines whether we give up2) The building blocks of human agency3) How to find your human edge in the age of AI Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1179 for the full transcript! — ABOUT MARTIN — Martin Seligman is the most influential psychologist in the world and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he directs the Positive Psychology Center. A former president of the American Psychological Association, he earned his BA in philosophy from Princeton and his PhD in psychology from Penn, and holds ten honorary doctorates. His research—from learned helplessness to learned optimism to prospection—has reshaped how science understands human well-being. He is the author of more than thirty books, including Flourish, Authentic Happiness, The Hope Circuit, and Tomorrowmind.• Book: Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Shopify. Sign up for your free trial at Shopify.com/awesomepod• Vinted. Download the Vinted app for free to start selling with no seller fees!• Fitnexa. Get $10 off the SomniPods3 with the link and code AWESOME See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like there's a gap between the work you're doing and the work you know you're capable of? That's the space where How to Be Awesome at Your Job lives. Hosted by Pete, this long-running podcast digs into the practical, often overlooked tactics that transform good performance into remarkable impact. Rather than abstract theory, each conversation with accomplished thought-leaders and results-getters focuses on extracting specific, actionable insights you can apply immediately. You'll hear real stories and candid advice that sharpen universal skills-like clear communication, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration-which are essential for any role that involves working with others and solving problems. With over 25 million downloads and recognition from places like The New York Times and Forbes, the podcast has become a trusted resource for professionals seeking more than just a checklist. It’s about cultivating a more fulfilling career, finding more meaning in your daily tasks, and yes, creating more wins and financial reward along the way. Tune in to discover how small shifts in approach can lead to significant gains in your performance, your well-being, and your overall enjoyment of the work you do.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

How to Be Awesome at Your Job
Podcast Episodes
1145: How to Flourish in Chaos and Build Adaptability with Anne Grady [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:01
Anne Grady shares expert tips for developing your capacity to adapt, change, and grow during times of uncertainty.— YOU’LL LEARN — 1) Why to seek out the (second) greatest threat to your brain2) How to optimize your thre…
1143: How to Build a Career that AI Can’t Replace with Aneesh Raman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:22
Aneesh Raman guides you on how to use AI and turn it into a competitive advantage. — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) Why you shouldn’t see AI as competition 2) How to make the most out of AI in your workflow3) What AI can’t replicate–…
1141: How to Stop Burnout Before It Starts with Guy Winch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
Guy Winch shares the simple strategies for taking back control of your mind, energy, and attention from work.— YOU’LL LEARN — 1) How to stop rumination loops2) The trick to dealing with difficult situations beyond your c…