The engaged life involves the ability to invest in and make connections with work, intimate relationships, and leisure activities. In the engaged life we are not isolated individuals, floating on a self-imposed island of alienation, but rather we are actively engaged with the world around us. Seligman believes that increasing life engagement involves identifying signature strengths—one’s own particular strengths and interests—and then putting them to use. For example, people who are interested in art can take a painting class. Those who like animals can volunteer at an animal shelter.
Seligman believes that giving back to the larger community is an important part of happiness (iStock).