What steps were taken to ensure the science behind the training is “legit”?
Professors from across the state of Nebraska were invited to review training materials and give their guidance. Some attended several of the training sessions. Consider the comments from some:
Dear Lee and Supporters of the Wonderful Life Project:
It is with great excitement, inspiration, and hope that I write this letter endorsing the Wonderful Life Project as a community improvement endeavor for Grand Island. Lee Elliott and I have consulted about this project on many occasions beginning a few years ago. I was and am enthusiastic about being part of such a wonderful idea! Although the ideas are lofty, they are NOT merely wishes or aspirations; this plan is totally a manageable project that WILL change lives.
Such a great endeavor does take time, energy, patience, and resources. Not only is Lee committed to this project, he is relentless and will continue to be. Importantly, Lee is not the only one committed to the success of this project--- other professionals are also involved and dedicated to this project's success. I am one of those professionals.
Additionally, this innovative project has research and evidence at its core. The primary concepts of The Wonderful Life Project are founded on evidence-based information from legitimate research in the areas of positive psychology, personal wellness, business, prevention, and human factors. The science behind this project is solid. Lee and his consultants have created a package of well-established information and folded it into a strategic plan that has success and positive benefit for the community written all over it!
I am genuinely enthusiastic about The Wonderful Life Project, and I am enthusiastic about being a part of it. It is without reservation that I endorse The Wonderful Life Project. I strongly encourage everyone to find a way to be part of this ground-breaking opportunity experiencing the training and applying it to your life, to inviting a friend to take the training, to volunteering, to donating any time or resources you have. Take pride and be involved in this remarkable program.
Krista Fritson, Psy.D.
Clinical psychologist
Psychology Department
University of Nebraska at Kearney
It is with great excitement, inspiration, and hope that I write this letter endorsing the Wonderful Life Project as a community improvement endeavor for Grand Island. Lee Elliott and I have consulted about this project on many occasions beginning a few years ago. I was and am enthusiastic about being part of such a wonderful idea! Although the ideas are lofty, they are NOT merely wishes or aspirations; this plan is totally a manageable project that WILL change lives.
Such a great endeavor does take time, energy, patience, and resources. Not only is Lee committed to this project, he is relentless and will continue to be. Importantly, Lee is not the only one committed to the success of this project--- other professionals are also involved and dedicated to this project's success. I am one of those professionals.
Additionally, this innovative project has research and evidence at its core. The primary concepts of The Wonderful Life Project are founded on evidence-based information from legitimate research in the areas of positive psychology, personal wellness, business, prevention, and human factors. The science behind this project is solid. Lee and his consultants have created a package of well-established information and folded it into a strategic plan that has success and positive benefit for the community written all over it!
I am genuinely enthusiastic about The Wonderful Life Project, and I am enthusiastic about being a part of it. It is without reservation that I endorse The Wonderful Life Project. I strongly encourage everyone to find a way to be part of this ground-breaking opportunity experiencing the training and applying it to your life, to inviting a friend to take the training, to volunteering, to donating any time or resources you have. Take pride and be involved in this remarkable program.
Krista Fritson, Psy.D.
Clinical psychologist
Psychology Department
University of Nebraska at Kearney
The Wonderful Life Project
As a Professor of Psychology, Ordained United Methodist clergyperson, and a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, I want to congratulate Lee Elliott on the enormous amount of research that underlies the Wonderful Life Project. It is simply amazing! This project is wonderfully organized, presented in an enthusiastic and charismatic manner, and has been tremendously helpful to all who have participated. In fact, the WLP changes lives. It has enabled persons to forgive, made others aware of the essential elements of living a meaningful and purpose-filled life, and provides skills for enhancing the quality of everyday life.
The Wonderful Life Project is both psychological and spiritual in its foundation and application. The WLP takes the best from both disciplines, and it teaches one how to live a disciplined life resulting in increased happiness, decreased levels of depression, increased self-esteem, and decreased levels of self-remorse. Besides being highly educational, it is deeply therapeutic. The focus on Positive Psychology and cognitive change strategies provides tools for anyone who chooses to engage in personal growth, enhance communication, reduce stress, and simply enhance their quality of life.
Lee Elliott’s series of lectures and workshops should be a requirement in most businesses, churches, and government and civic organizations. All the necessary tools for living a life of meaning, joy, peace, serenity, and wholeness are provided in this project. If you desire to have a wonderful life, and are willing to discipline yourself to make changes, this program if for you.
Lee R. Wigert, Ph.D., D.Min.
Professor of Psychology, Hastings College
Pastor, Grace and Juniata United Methodist Churches
As a Professor of Psychology, Ordained United Methodist clergyperson, and a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, I want to congratulate Lee Elliott on the enormous amount of research that underlies the Wonderful Life Project. It is simply amazing! This project is wonderfully organized, presented in an enthusiastic and charismatic manner, and has been tremendously helpful to all who have participated. In fact, the WLP changes lives. It has enabled persons to forgive, made others aware of the essential elements of living a meaningful and purpose-filled life, and provides skills for enhancing the quality of everyday life.
The Wonderful Life Project is both psychological and spiritual in its foundation and application. The WLP takes the best from both disciplines, and it teaches one how to live a disciplined life resulting in increased happiness, decreased levels of depression, increased self-esteem, and decreased levels of self-remorse. Besides being highly educational, it is deeply therapeutic. The focus on Positive Psychology and cognitive change strategies provides tools for anyone who chooses to engage in personal growth, enhance communication, reduce stress, and simply enhance their quality of life.
Lee Elliott’s series of lectures and workshops should be a requirement in most businesses, churches, and government and civic organizations. All the necessary tools for living a life of meaning, joy, peace, serenity, and wholeness are provided in this project. If you desire to have a wonderful life, and are willing to discipline yourself to make changes, this program if for you.
Lee R. Wigert, Ph.D., D.Min.
Professor of Psychology, Hastings College
Pastor, Grace and Juniata United Methodist Churches
Recently, I attended the “grudge busting” training sessions of the Wonderful Life Project. Lee Elliott leverages his vast human resource management experience and knowledge of cutting- edge research in delivering effective and practical training. The session was interactive without being intimidating and Lee's approach is a comfortable blend of humor and thoughtfulness. I have already applied the lessons learned in my personal and professional relationships.
The Wonderful Life project is an ambitious plan to bring training in conflict management, forgiveness, stress management, and other happiness-related topics to the residence of Grand Island. This training will provide significant benefits to individuals, their families, and organizations. These benefits may include stronger relationships, better health, and improved job performance and satisfaction.
The Wonderful Life project is built on research from psychology, sociology, organizational behavior, and human resource management. This research has discovered the powerful benefits of cultivating psychological capital. The training sessions bring these insights to participants who can apply them immediately in their relationships and workplaces.
Although appropriate for all, there is special value to companies who can use this training to access innovative and effective professional development for their employees. If a critical mass of employees attends the training the impact on the organization could be very immediate and significant.
I congratulate Lee Elliott and the Wonderful Life project team for this initiative. Participants do have to invest a commitment of time (and a small fee). However, the return on that investment will be much more valuable. I look forward to attending another session soon.
Tim Burkink, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business and Technology
University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The Wonderful Life project is an ambitious plan to bring training in conflict management, forgiveness, stress management, and other happiness-related topics to the residence of Grand Island. This training will provide significant benefits to individuals, their families, and organizations. These benefits may include stronger relationships, better health, and improved job performance and satisfaction.
The Wonderful Life project is built on research from psychology, sociology, organizational behavior, and human resource management. This research has discovered the powerful benefits of cultivating psychological capital. The training sessions bring these insights to participants who can apply them immediately in their relationships and workplaces.
Although appropriate for all, there is special value to companies who can use this training to access innovative and effective professional development for their employees. If a critical mass of employees attends the training the impact on the organization could be very immediate and significant.
I congratulate Lee Elliott and the Wonderful Life project team for this initiative. Participants do have to invest a commitment of time (and a small fee). However, the return on that investment will be much more valuable. I look forward to attending another session soon.
Tim Burkink, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business and Technology
University of Nebraska at Kearney.
It has been a real pleasure watching the development of the Wonderful Life Project in Grand Island. As assistant director for the Werner Institute at Creighton University, I teach a course focused on conflict management systems design and was highly intrigued when Lee Elliott first approached me with this idea.
I was intrigued as the idea he was proposing not only aimed at helping people within the community of Grand Island engage in conflict in a healthier and more constructive manner, but did so in a manner that was inclusive and accessible for the entirety of the community.
Since that day, the success has been evident through the reports he provides regarding the training and coaching that takes place through his project.
Early on in the development of his project, Lee Elliott came to Creighton to share his vision with our students. The presentation was well received and I continue to share the recording from this presentation within my course.
The project fits well into a section of my course where I discuss the use of appreciative inquiry and positive psychology within the systems design process. This project provides a perfect case to illustrate those concepts. The evaluation results indicate the concepts are very appropriate for this type of community development initiative.
One wonderful ripple effect from this project in Grand Island entails the ideas it creates in my students. The course I teach is part of our online program; therefore many of the students live in various communities throughout the United States.
We often discuss the potential for replicating the good work being done in Grand Island within their communities. This may lead to a much higher level of happiness across our entire nation. All thanks to this project starting in Grand Island.
Bryan J. Hanson
Assistant director
The Werner Institute
Creighton University
Omaha
I was intrigued as the idea he was proposing not only aimed at helping people within the community of Grand Island engage in conflict in a healthier and more constructive manner, but did so in a manner that was inclusive and accessible for the entirety of the community.
Since that day, the success has been evident through the reports he provides regarding the training and coaching that takes place through his project.
Early on in the development of his project, Lee Elliott came to Creighton to share his vision with our students. The presentation was well received and I continue to share the recording from this presentation within my course.
The project fits well into a section of my course where I discuss the use of appreciative inquiry and positive psychology within the systems design process. This project provides a perfect case to illustrate those concepts. The evaluation results indicate the concepts are very appropriate for this type of community development initiative.
One wonderful ripple effect from this project in Grand Island entails the ideas it creates in my students. The course I teach is part of our online program; therefore many of the students live in various communities throughout the United States.
We often discuss the potential for replicating the good work being done in Grand Island within their communities. This may lead to a much higher level of happiness across our entire nation. All thanks to this project starting in Grand Island.
Bryan J. Hanson
Assistant director
The Werner Institute
Creighton University
Omaha
My husband and I attended Lee’s session on Fulfillment. It was filled with specific scientific-based research and examples that illustrated the value of finding meaning in our lives. We found Lee to be inspiring and stimulating.
Lee presents so much helpful information that can be applied to daily living. He challenges us to live a fulfilling life and contribute to the welfare of others. Psychological well-being is essential to maximize the potential of each individual and each family in our community and society.
The objectives of the Wonderful Life project include improving well-being and increasing self-understanding as well as understanding others. Among other things, this includes replacing anger and resentment with forgiveness, increasing happiness and contentment, and acceptance of self and others.
The information shared in the presentations is research-based and founded on sound theoretical principles of psychology. I have read each and every training program and found them to be accurate and valid.
This project offers an opportunity for personal growth and increased happiness for each individual involved in the classes and will positively impact the people who they interact with as well. Lee has found a way to increase the quality of life for individuals and their families.
I highly encourage others to attend and receive this gift.
Linda Petroff, Ph.D.
Developmental and cognitive psychologist
Retired
Lee presents so much helpful information that can be applied to daily living. He challenges us to live a fulfilling life and contribute to the welfare of others. Psychological well-being is essential to maximize the potential of each individual and each family in our community and society.
The objectives of the Wonderful Life project include improving well-being and increasing self-understanding as well as understanding others. Among other things, this includes replacing anger and resentment with forgiveness, increasing happiness and contentment, and acceptance of self and others.
The information shared in the presentations is research-based and founded on sound theoretical principles of psychology. I have read each and every training program and found them to be accurate and valid.
This project offers an opportunity for personal growth and increased happiness for each individual involved in the classes and will positively impact the people who they interact with as well. Lee has found a way to increase the quality of life for individuals and their families.
I highly encourage others to attend and receive this gift.
Linda Petroff, Ph.D.
Developmental and cognitive psychologist
Retired
Why should we care if people in a community are happy?
Sure, happiness sounds nice, but don’t we have more pressing problems in our society? If you are running a business, you don’t need your employees to be happy, you need them to be productive, right? As a member of a community, your concern for the physical health of your neighbors should outweigh your concern for their current state of well-being, correct?
However, a growing body of evidence shows that happiness can have exactly those effects on our employees and neighbors. Research in the fields of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Occupational Health Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Behavioral Economics provide evidence of a positive impact of psychological well-being on work performance and physical health.
Under the leadership of Lee Elliott, these ideas are being put to work for Grand Island. By arming people with, for example, strategies to manage stress, they can become more resilient in the face of inevitable stress. Instead of trying to fix everything stressful about the world, we can provide tools on which people can rely when adversity strikes. As a result, people remain happy in the face of stress and continue to be productive employees, caring parents, and healthy citizens with the energy and enthusiasm to give back to the community!
When I teach these ideas to Hastings College students in classes such as Work Motivation or Positive Psychology, students often ask, “why doesn't everybody about know this stuff?” Lee Elliott and the Wonderful Life Project are ensuring that more and more people know about it every day. The more advocates we have for the power of happiness, the more “wonderful” all of our lives will be.
-Mark Zajack
Mark Zajack, Ph.D.
Industrial/organizational psychologist
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Hastings College
His research on occupational stress, productivity and employee well-being is informed by his experience as a business analyst and consultant. In addition to a focus on employee performance, Mark also analyzes performance in the athletic arena via what is often referred to as a “Moneyball” approach to sports. Mark has degrees from Colgate University, San Jose State University and Clemson University.
Sure, happiness sounds nice, but don’t we have more pressing problems in our society? If you are running a business, you don’t need your employees to be happy, you need them to be productive, right? As a member of a community, your concern for the physical health of your neighbors should outweigh your concern for their current state of well-being, correct?
However, a growing body of evidence shows that happiness can have exactly those effects on our employees and neighbors. Research in the fields of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Occupational Health Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Behavioral Economics provide evidence of a positive impact of psychological well-being on work performance and physical health.
Under the leadership of Lee Elliott, these ideas are being put to work for Grand Island. By arming people with, for example, strategies to manage stress, they can become more resilient in the face of inevitable stress. Instead of trying to fix everything stressful about the world, we can provide tools on which people can rely when adversity strikes. As a result, people remain happy in the face of stress and continue to be productive employees, caring parents, and healthy citizens with the energy and enthusiasm to give back to the community!
When I teach these ideas to Hastings College students in classes such as Work Motivation or Positive Psychology, students often ask, “why doesn't everybody about know this stuff?” Lee Elliott and the Wonderful Life Project are ensuring that more and more people know about it every day. The more advocates we have for the power of happiness, the more “wonderful” all of our lives will be.
-Mark Zajack
Mark Zajack, Ph.D.
Industrial/organizational psychologist
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Hastings College
His research on occupational stress, productivity and employee well-being is informed by his experience as a business analyst and consultant. In addition to a focus on employee performance, Mark also analyzes performance in the athletic arena via what is often referred to as a “Moneyball” approach to sports. Mark has degrees from Colgate University, San Jose State University and Clemson University.
A few years ago, I was looking for a speaker to discuss issues with university staff on workplace issues and Mr. Lee Elliott was recommended to me. He gave a talk on “How to deal with a difficult boss.” After his entertaining and insightful talk Lee and I discussed our views on employees. I am a sociologist and one of my interests is the Sociology of Work. A basic premise held within my discipline is that people, and specifically employees, should be treated with dignity and respect. As the Vice President of Human Resources he devised a number of workshops to teach skills that employees would use to live happier live happier live inside and outside of the workplace.
Upon retiring Lee spearheaded the Wonderful Life Project to provide anyone willing with the skills to lead a happier life. Lee asked me to conduct focus groups to see if the interventions were having the desired effect. I was amazed at the response of participants who reported that they had integrated many of the skills into their lives with amazing results. With enhanced communication skills they found they were instrumental in creating more positive social interaction. In the past, contentious interactions had been ignored and allowed to fester, while today they were able to resolve problems. A complete report of the focus group is on the website.
Daryl Kelley, PhD.
Professor of Sociology
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Upon retiring Lee spearheaded the Wonderful Life Project to provide anyone willing with the skills to lead a happier life. Lee asked me to conduct focus groups to see if the interventions were having the desired effect. I was amazed at the response of participants who reported that they had integrated many of the skills into their lives with amazing results. With enhanced communication skills they found they were instrumental in creating more positive social interaction. In the past, contentious interactions had been ignored and allowed to fester, while today they were able to resolve problems. A complete report of the focus group is on the website.
Daryl Kelley, PhD.
Professor of Sociology
University of Nebraska at Kearney
I was thoroughly impressed with the content and presentation of The Wonderful Life Project by Mr. Lee Elliott. Having participated in the yearlong series I witnessed first-hand the comprehensive and inclusive nature of each session’s topic.
From purely an educators standpoint each topic was objectively oriented and well documented. Activities incorporated were relevant and allowed participants the “takeaways” necessary for personal integration.
The entire series is scientifically grounded, inclusive, and well cited; including links and resources that allow the participant to delve further into the topic if so inclined.
From the perspective of a supervisor, and college administrator, the content was structured with focus on implementation in the workplace, and, further, at virtually all levels of the workplace, academic or business.
In spite of the fact participants can select to attend individual modules of interest I cannot fathom why one would do so when such greater benefit can be derived from participating in the full series.
I look forward to following the continuing development and expansion of The Wonderful Life Project with its focus on adapting the materials for a variety of grade levels and for business setting.
The world in which we live increasingly exerts pressures, stressors and expectations on individuals. The Wonderful Life Project training allows participants to learn appropriate responses and gain understandings that allow one to thrive amongst it all.
Charlie Gregory
Associate Dean
Central Community College
From purely an educators standpoint each topic was objectively oriented and well documented. Activities incorporated were relevant and allowed participants the “takeaways” necessary for personal integration.
The entire series is scientifically grounded, inclusive, and well cited; including links and resources that allow the participant to delve further into the topic if so inclined.
From the perspective of a supervisor, and college administrator, the content was structured with focus on implementation in the workplace, and, further, at virtually all levels of the workplace, academic or business.
In spite of the fact participants can select to attend individual modules of interest I cannot fathom why one would do so when such greater benefit can be derived from participating in the full series.
I look forward to following the continuing development and expansion of The Wonderful Life Project with its focus on adapting the materials for a variety of grade levels and for business setting.
The world in which we live increasingly exerts pressures, stressors and expectations on individuals. The Wonderful Life Project training allows participants to learn appropriate responses and gain understandings that allow one to thrive amongst it all.
Charlie Gregory
Associate Dean
Central Community College
Copyright©Wonderful Life Project, LLC (2013)
