This dissertation is dedicated to my wife, Amy, and son, Tyson, who whether they
knew it or not were the beneficiaries of my passion for personal and organizational
excellence as I pursued this work over the past two decades. I know that as a father and
husband I benefitted in countless ways as a result of this exploration into positive
psychology and a strengths-based approach to living and learning. This research helped
shape my relationships at home and provided me with effective knowledge and skills as a
parent and a husband. I am grateful to my wife and my son for their support through this
process and their patience as I spent countless hours at the computer writing and revising
this dissertation.