Todd Kashdan

Todd Kashdan is one of the most prominent authors and psychologists in the field of positive psychology. He is most widely known for his research and writing on well-being, emotional intelligence, and mental health. He’s earned a reputation for his intense focus on healing emotional pain and using positive psychology to promote meaningful change.

From a young age, Dr. Kashdan was immersed in human behavior and the study of psychology. He went on to pursue his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky and to be the professor of psychology and senior scientist at George Mason University. During his time conducting and publishing research, he has penned several books that examine how we can maximize our potential and be our own best self.

Kashdan's early works focused on cognitive behavioral techniques and understanding core emotional needs. He then shifted his focus to positive psychology, which considers what goes right and what makes life meaningful. To further his understanding of the science behind positive psychological interventions, he devoted himself to studying the biology and neuroscience of happiness, resilience, motivation, and fulfillment.

His first non-fiction book, Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life, was published in 2009. The book is centered around curiosity, which he believes to be the key to personal growth and the door to joy, meaning, and satisfaction. He walks readers through the steps they need to take in order to gain a better understanding of the world around them and uncover new possibilities.

One of Kashdan's best-known works is his book The upside of your dark side: Why being your whole self — not just your “good” self — drives success and fulfillment. Published in 2014, this book takes readers on a journey to discover and understand the power of their dark side. He posits that allowing ourselves to embrace the “dark” aspects of our individual identities is a much more courageous and effective strategy than trying to suppress and reject them.

Kashdan's 2014 collaborative work, Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don't, and How to Make Any Change Stick is another popular book. This one focuses on habit formation and examines the science behind why some habits stick and some don't. Aimed at giving readers a better understanding of how habits work, the book provides readers with practical strategies to make any change stick.

In recent years, Kashdan has written several more books. He co-authored Feeling Matters: How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions for a Happier, Healthier Life (2019) and A Year of Positive Thinking: How to Build a Life of Optimism, Confidence, and Purpose (2020). Both of these books explore how to become the version of ourselves that we hope to be.

Apart from publishing scientific research, Kashdan has appeared in several media outlets and TEDx talks. He has been interviewed on numerous TED Radio Hour, TEDx Orange Coast and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMHD). His books have also been featured in dozens of media outlets that cover a wide range of topics.

Kashdan has accomplished a huge amount of research, writing, and teaching yet he still finds time for travel and adventure. His future projects include writing more books, creating more courses, and collaborating with other professionals in the field. Todd Kashdan is a tireless advocate for personal growth and inspiring others to be their best self.