Building Self-Confidence: The Science of Self-Confidence

Manuel Kraus is the founder of Good Life Foundation, an organization seeking to empower individuals and communities across the world to live happy and fulfilled lives by teaching positive psychology. He is also an expert in the field and one of only a few people in the world holding a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology. His main research interest focuses on the experience of meaning in life.

He has been teaching positive psychology in workshops and seminars; and is the author of a series of online courses. They cover topics from building positive emotions and self-esteem to changing mindsets and overcoming tough times.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of life flourishing and optimal human functioning. It asks questions like these: What do very happy people do differently? How do the most successful people think and act?What makes some married couples stay together happily for many decades while others break up within months or years? And why are some people able to bounce back from failures while others succumb to them?

Happiness is not the absence of sadness and anger, and eliminating weaknesses does not mean we are really good at something. Many, many experiments, case studies, analyses and other forms of rigorous research have been conducted to provide insights into what makes our lives good and how we manage to live happily and successfully. Unfortunately, this science is not yet accessible to many people. That is why Manuel is committed to teach these findings and applications. His goal is to help create the foundations for everyone to live a good life by making positive psychology research accessible to everybody.

‘I believe that the scientific study of what makes our lives most worth living can help people transform their lives. That is why I teach about topics like personal growth, building fulfilling relationships, goal-setting, mindfulness, self-esteem and realizing strengths. My personal mission is to make positive psychology research accessible to everybody, and thereby creating the foundations for people to live a good life and help build a better world.’