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WHAT | STEP 1: MINDPRINT - DOING THE RIGHT THINGS

Support personal growth
and expand mindset from 'doing less bad' only to flourishing too

While focus in mainstream sustainability is on doing the same things in the right way or 'less bad' (Footprint), Mindprint focuses first on doing the right things.

 

On its own, 'doing things right' or less bad is not enough to reach climate goals and support children's flourishing, since it doesn't change things from the ground. Instead, a fundamental shift in mindset, values and lifestyles is needed to be able to reimagine and speed up the solutions that are truly sustainable at global scale while allowing children to sustain and flourish.

What makes this especially difficult for caregivers is that many of the toys and activities on the market today encourage passive entertainment and consumption, rather than fostering kids' creativity and participation in society. No matter what kids are exposed to, those experiences will leave imprints on their mindsets and views of themselves, for better or worse.

So how can you as a caregiver support the shifts needed? Since flourishing can mean many different things, it can be difficult to know how to achieve it. On this page some ideas are shared to support the mindshifts needed for kids to flourish, while doing so in a way that supports all children and the planet to flourish too.

Overview

This page gives a short introduction to what flourishing can mean and how shifts in mindsets, values and lifestyles can be supported by focusing on real needs and areas in life that can help kids to flourish. Last but not least, frameworks for character strengths are outlined to support development of inner traits and abilities that can help speed up these shifts and work as a compass to ensure focus is on "doing the right things".

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Big buzzing bumblebee

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2025

WHAT | WHAT IS "FLOURISHING"?

What is "Flourishing"?

While different definitions of "flourishing" exist, research done within Harvard's "Human Flourishing Program" (HFP) shows most definitions include doing or being well in the five broad domains of human life listed in the table below. The second column shows which need area used on this site that primarily relates to each domain, although there are more possible links than what is shown there (these needs areas are presented further down on this page).

Even if it could be easy to think that flourishing is by and large about happiness, Tyler J. VanderWeele who leads Harvard's HFP has in an article made an important point in saying that perfect happiness is ultimately only possible if all aspects of life are good, which in real life is nearly impossible. The pursuit of happiness can therefore create unrealistic expectations. It might be more useful to think in terms of "Life satisfaction", for example, or to develop character strengths such as self-regulation to have the ability to manage how one reacts to events in life.

In the measurement approach that has been developed for Harvard's HFP (2017), VanderWeele also makes clear that there may be more domains than those listed below that can support flourishing. Whatever else flourishing might consist in, these five domains would however likely still be included, he argues, and can therefore provide some common starting point and ground for discussion.

Based on evolving research related to flourishing, it is suggested on this site that encouraging children's natural curiosity and awe of the wonders of life, like nature, art and science can also be powerful activities to increase flourishing in kids, as discussed further below.

DOMAINS IN RESEARCH
THE SITE'S LINKS TO DOMAINS
EXPLANATION
EXAMPLE OF RESEARCH
Life satisfaction
Connect with nature; Creativity & Science
Appreciation of nature, art and science can potentially contribute to life satisfaction.
https://academic.oup.com/jope/article/56/2/238/7000105
Mental and physical health
Mental growth; Health & Nutrition; Connect with nature; Creativity & Science
Engaging with nature, art and science has been shown to improve mental health. Being out in nature also encourages physical activity/health.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283298311_Flourishing_in_nature_A_review_of_the_benefits_of_connecting_with_nature_and_its_application_as_a_wellbeing_intervention
Meaning and purpose
Participation
Participating in the betterment of society can give meaning/purpose.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7051/4/1/7?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Character and virtue
Mental growth
The section on "Mental growth" on this site focuses on character strengths which in research has been argued can support flourishing.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11482-018-9700-6
Close social relationships
Participation
Contributing to society and doing so in groups (like volunteering organisations) can create a sense of social connection.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7051/4/1/7?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Financial and material stability
Smart living
"Smart living" focuses on practical solutions for a child's basic physical needs. Affordable solutions for all are also prioritised.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/pdf/10.1073/pnas.1702996114
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WHAT | DOING THE RIGHT THINGS

Identify real needs

"Do the right things" first - "do things right" thereafter

As shown above, this initiative focuses on basic needs, which are based on the Decent Living Standards framework used by the IPCC, as well as other acknowledged human needs frameworks. Focusing on basic human needs rather than wants is crucial for flourishing because it helps shift the focus from merely doing things right to doing the right things, like ensuring essential needs are met, such as shelter, health, education and meaningful connections. This foundation allows individuals to pursue meaningful growth and contribute to society in ways that promote long-term well-being.

 

The first three categories focus on needs for a child's personal growth, while Smart living and Health & Nutrition relate to its physiological needs. The last need, Participation, may be seen as a higher level need as it moves beyond the individual itself to contribute to the betterment of society.

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Wonders of life

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2025

WHAT | WONDERS OF LIFE

Nature, art and science for flourishing futures

Beyond meeting a child's basic physiological needs for survival, the "Connect with Nature" and "Creativity & Science" sections of this site aim to foster a fun and meaningful life, driven by children's innate curiosity and awe of the wonders of life. They encourage personal growth by cultivating an appreciation for nature, art, and science - developing a deeper sense of responsibility to protect and enhance them. Over the course of history, curiosity, science and art has often contributed to human progress, inspiring ingenuity, innovation, and advancements in thought.

As UNICEF and WHO emphasise, fostering a child's well-being must however not come at the expense of others or the planet, with climate change for example threatening the lives of all children. Simply spending time in nature or engaging in creative activities does not automatically ensure environmental protection or societal progress. The development of character strengths, such as wisdom, is therefore essential in guiding these interactions. By fostering these strengths, children can engage with nature, art, and science in ways that support not only their own flourishing but also the flourishing of the planet and all children worldwide. Learn more about this below!

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What role do you want to play?

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2025

Image by Bekah Russom

WHAT | SHIFTING MINDSETS

Character strengths

Below are two different frameworks on character strengths. The table with 24 character strengths developed by the VIA Institute on Character is a widely recognised framework grounded in extensive psychological research. This classification is based on a landmark study led by Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson, which analysed strengths valued across cultures, philosophies, and historical traditions. The VIA framework is backed by decades of empirical research in positive psychology. The model is used globally in education, therapy, leadership, and personal development, providing a science-based approach to cultivating human potential. Each strength is shown to enhance both individual and collective flourishing.

The other framework by child psychologist Dr. Michele Borba has been specifically developed to enable children to thrive and help them better the world. It is condensed to seven strengths, which can make it easier for children and caregivers to focus on a few core traits specific to the challenges of growing up in today’s world. It emphasises actionable, teachable skills that can help children thrive socially and emotionally from a young age. In addition to those seven more generic strengths, Michele Borba also outlines examples of unique strengths and core assets related to e.g. art, science and nature that can support kids to flourish.

As shown below, all of Michele Borba's character strengths align with the VIA Institute on Character’s 24 strengths, though some may appear under slightly different names or as part of broader categories:

  • Self-confidence → Closely related to Bravery (Courage) and Self-regulation

  • Empathy → Embedded in Social Intelligence

  • Self-control → Matches Self-regulation

  • Integrity → Directly corresponds to Honesty

  • Curiosity → Direct match with Curiosity

  • Perseverance → Direct match with Perseverance

  • Optimism → Closely linked to Hope

For clarity and focus, this initiative also focuses on a condensed list, using a slightly adapted version of Michele Borba's framework informed by the VIA Institute on Character's list. Given the purpose of this initiative, closely related character strengths of high relevance to it have been merged together, as seen below. For example, creativity is at the core of this initiative, which is why it has been highlighted by adding it to curiosity (creativity is also included under Curiosity in Michele Borba's framework).

  • Curiosity & Creativity

  • Appreciation & Gratitude

  • Empathy & Justice

  • Wisdom & Integrity

  • Courage & Confidence

  • Grit & Self-regulation

 

The biggest difference between Borba's framework and the set of character strengths used here is that self-control (self-regulation) and perseverance (grit) have been merged since they have several overlaps. Further, Appreciation & Gratitude have substituted the character strength "Hope" in Borba's framework, to include Appreciation of excellence and beauty included in VIA's framework which here is deemed to be essential for flourishing. (Note, though, that gratitude is included in Borba's framework under Optimism. Indirectly, Appreciation of excellence and beauty is in part also covered by Borba's additional "Unique strengths and core assets" below).​​

The VIA Institute on Character Strengths and Virtues (Peterson & Seligman, 2004)

Wisdom

Creativity

Curiosity

Judgement

Love of learning

Perspective

Courage

Bravery

Honesty

Perseverance

Zest

Humanity

Kindness

Love

Social intelligence

Justice

Fairness

Leadership

Teamwork

Temperance

Forgiveness

Humility

Prudence

Self-regulation

Transcendence

Appreciation of beauty & excellence

Gratitude

Hope

Humour

Spirituality

The VIA Institute on Character Strengths and Virtues (Peterson & Seligman, 2004)

VIA Characters.png

Seven character strengths for a thriver's mindset in children (Borba, 2021)

CHARACTER STRENGTH

TEACHABLE ABILITY

BENEFITS

Self-confidence

Empathy

Self-control

Integrity

Curiosity

Perseverance

Optimism

  • Finding purpose

  • Self-awareness

  • Strength awareness

  • Empathetic concern

  • Emotion literacy

  • Perspective taking

  • ​Attentive focus

  • Self-management

  • Healthy decision-making

  • Moral identity

  • Ethical reasoning

  • Moral knowing

  • Curious mindset

  • Creative problem-solving

  • Divergent thinking

  • Growth mindset

  • Goal-setting & resourcefulness

  • Learning from failure

  • Optimistic thinking

  • Assertiveness

  • Hope

  • Service and meaning

  • Healthy sense of self

  • Positive self-identity

  • Compassion action

  • Reading and sharing emotions

  • Understanding other views

  • Delayed gratification

  • Coping and regulation

  • Self-dicipline

  • Strong moral compass

  • Ethical decision-making

  • Valuing virtue

  • Creativity

  • Generating alternatives

  • Innovation

  • Determination and drive

  • Self-mastery & agency

  • Self-sufficiency

  • Positive attitude

  • Self-advocacy

  • Hopeful life outlook

Source: Dr. Michele Borba, Thrivers: The surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, 2021

Unique strengths and core assets enhancing the character strengths (Borba, 2021)

UNIQUE STRENGTHS AND CORE ASSETS

Linguistic

  • Reading

  • Vocabulary

  • Speaking

  • Debate

  • Poetry

Logical/thinking

  • Deeper thinking

  • Computer skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Math and numbers

  • Science

Kinesthethic
/Physical

  • Acting/role-playing

  • Coordination

  • Dramatics

  • Gymnastics

  • Physical strength

Musical

  • Playing instrument

  • Singing

  • Rhythm

  • Reads/composes music

  • Responds to music

Nature

  • Loves animals

  • Hiking

  • Science collections

  • Observer

Source: Dr. Michele Borba, Thrivers: The surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, 2021

Discover more

Unique strengths and core assets enhancing the character strengths (Borba, 2021)

Borba core assets.png

Seven character strengths for a thriver's mindset in children (Borba, 2021)

Borba character strengths.png

WHAT | WONDERS OF LIFE

Nature, art and science for flourishing futures

Beyond meeting a child's basic physiological needs for survival, the "Connect with Nature" and "Creativity & Science" sections of this site aim to foster a fun and meaningful life, driven by children's innate curiosity and awe of the wonders of life. They encourage personal growth by cultivating an appreciation for nature, art, and science - developing a deeper sense of responsibility to protect and enhance them. Over the course of history, curiosity, science and art has often contributed to human progress, inspiring ingenuity, innovation, and advancements in thought.

As UNICEF and WHO emphasise, fostering a child's well-being must however not come at the expense of others or the planet, with climate change for example threatening the lives of all children. Simply spending time in nature or engaging in creative activities does not automatically ensure environmental protection or societal progress. The development of character strengths, such as wisdom, is therefore essential in guiding these interactions. By fostering these strengths, children can engage with nature, art, and science in ways that support not only their own flourishing but also the flourishing of the planet and all children worldwide. Learn more about this below!

The Swedish Museum of Performing Arts_edited.jpg

What role do you want to play?

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2025

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