Earlier today I listened to Tim Ferriss’ conversation with Arthur Brooks. (Listen to it here) Much of the conversation was about happiness. Brooks is a professor at Harvard focused on the science of happiness. Happiness eludes me but I find pleasure enough to distract me. So I took notes. The two explored many insights into improving well-being and life satisfaction.
Brooks stressed that happiness comes from within. Nothing new. While external factors can influence, your mindset and outlook ultimately determine your level of happiness. Practicing gratitude, mindfulness, self-acceptance, and generosity have been scientifically shown to boost moods. One example is if you are washing the dishes and thinking about the ice cream you’ll be eating after, you’ll be thinking of the next thing when you’re eating ice cream and enjoying it less.
Strong social connections also contribute greatly to happiness. As social creatures, humans need close relationships and bonds with others to thrive emotionally. Brooks emphasized the importance of cultivating deep, “useless” friendships based on honesty and truth-telling. Our culture tends to prioritize dealing with friends who provide utility. Do you have friends that have less in common with you?
A sense of meaning and purpose is another key ingredient in lasting happiness. Finding meaning in your work, family, hobbies, or faith helps provide significance and direction. Chasing pleasure alone often leaves people dissatisfied. Goals and service to others tend to be more fulfilling.
Physical health habits like diet, exercise, and sleep lay the foundation for well-being. Brooks highlighted fitness as a way to manage negative emotions. It doesn’t make you happier. It makes you less unhappy. Simple practices like starting the day by expressing gratitude or keeping a “failure journal” can also reframe mindsets.
The conversation contained many insights around evidence-based tools for training your mind, focusing on the right priorities, and taking daily action to boost sustainable happiness. There are links on Tim’s page to tests you can take to see what your happiness personality is. Brooks aims to teach others how to become “happiness teachers” and spread more love in the world. This is me doing that.
Christopher lives in Vermont with his wife, twin boys, border collie and corgi. He has owned a film production company, sold slot machines, and worked for Tony Robbins. He writes in his magical tiny house and sometimes writes in his blog at chrisrodgers.blog
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