The Happiness Lab - You Only Live Once

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The first use of YOLO was not to make any commitments. The science shows that the best way to use this precious life, one that we really only will live once, is to commit to the active committing. When you commit, it's like planting a seed in the desert. It's the beginning of a reforestation project. And if you ask any long-hole hero how they feel about what they've done, the vast majority say that it makes them feel more at peace in the world.

YOLO seems like the perfect rock 'n' roll philosophy. You only live once... so do whatever seems right in the moment. Be spontaneous. Quit your job; find a new person to date; and always, always keep your options open.

We all fear getting stuck in the wrong occupation, relationship or home - so shun fully committing to anything. But we're misguided. The man who coined the term YOLO - the Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart - tells Dr Laurie Santos that throwing yourself fully into a life choice is the best way to live our precious life.