Positive health means becoming whole-heartedly engaged with our own health care. It means not outsourcing our health to the health care system. It means getting rid of the fear and paralysis we too often feel, and instead cultivating a sense of agency.

In this quote, Jane McGonigal defines positive health as a proactive and engaged approach to managing one's own health care. She argues that taking full responsibility for our health means not outsourcing it entirely to the health care system. Instead, individuals should take an active role in their own well-being, whether through lifestyle choices, preventive care, or informed decision-making, rather than relying solely on medical professionals to manage their health.

McGonigal also emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear and paralysis that many people feel when faced with health challenges or difficult decisions about their care. This fear can often result in a sense of helplessness, where individuals feel disconnected from their own health outcomes. Her call is to cultivate a sense of agency, meaning that people should feel empowered to make choices about their health and engage with it in a positive, confident manner.

The origin of this quote comes from McGonigal’s work as a game designer and author, where she has focused on how games and mental resilience can contribute to better health outcomes. She is known for her approach to well-being, which often involves leveraging personal empowerment and a sense of control, both of which are key elements in positive health. McGonigal’s focus is on mental health and how individuals can cultivate better emotional and physical resilience.

Ultimately, McGonigal’s statement highlights the need to take ownership of our health care and emphasizes the importance of personal agency in fostering better overall well-being. By shifting from a passive approach to a more engaged and empowered one, people can improve their health outcomes and feel more in control of their own health journeys.