Zest and Flourishing | Seminar

This seminar explores the VIA character strength of Zest as a foundational driver of engagement, resilience, and well-being in higher education contexts. Zest is defined as approaching life with excitement, energy, and full-hearted participation rather than hesitation or emotional withdrawal. Drawing on positive psychology research, the seminar examines the psychological and behavioral benefits of vitality, including increased motivation, resilience in the face of academic stress, enhanced creativity, and stronger relational engagement. Participants are invited to reflect on how zest manifests in their academic, personal, and leadership contexts, and to consider both the optimal use and potential overuse (burnout, overcommitment) or underuse (apathy, disengagement) of this strength. Through reflective exercises, discussion, and applied planning strategies (including WOOP), the session supports students in cultivating sustainable vitality rather than unsustainable intensity. The seminar positions zest not as constant excitement, but as regulated energy aligned with purpose, meaning, and long-term flourishing. Learning Outcomes By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: Define the VIA character strength of Zest and explain its relationship to vitality, engagement, and well-being. Differentiate between the optimal use, overuse, and underuse of zest in academic and personal contexts. Identify personal patterns of energy, motivation, and engagement within their university experience. Apply at least one evidence-informed strategy (e.g., implementation intentions, behavioral activation, reflective planning) to cultivate sustainable zest. Evaluate how cultivating zest can enhance academic performance, resilience, and long-term flourishing.