Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

The Surprising Secret to Happiness (It’s Easier Than You Think!) with Mo Gawdat (Re-release) #510

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Jan 12, 2025

In a heartfelt conversation, Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X and bestselling author, shares his journey from corporate success to becoming a happiness advocate. He emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from giving, not accumulating. Mo discusses the impact of his son's tragic passing, fueling his mission to spread joy. He argues that happiness is a skill to be cultivated through genuine connections and authenticity, urging listeners to shift their focus from societal pressures to personal values and meaningful experiences.

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INSIGHT

Choosing Unhappiness

People are unhappy because they choose to prioritize things that don't lead to lasting happiness.
Modern society often emphasizes external achievements over internal contentment.

ADVICE

Swim Against the Tide

Resist societal pressure to conform; prioritize passions and talents.
Focus time and energy on what truly matters to live authentically.

ANECDOTE

Unaligned Success

Mo Gawdat felt unfulfilled at Google X despite its prestige.
He realized his work, while impactful, wasn't truly aligned with his passions.

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Happiness is a choice.

It’s a bold statement, but it’s one I wholeheartedly support. Whether you agree with this statement, or whether the idea sits a little uncomfortably with you, I think you are going to get a lot out of this uplifting conversation. My guest is Mo Gawdat and he has been at both ends of the spectrum on which we might consider happiness lies. And he’s unlocked the key to true contentment, no matter what obstacles you may come across in life.

You might know Mo as the former Chief Business Officer of Google X – a role with status and riches that many might aspire to. You may also know him as the respected ‘happiness expert’, speaker and bestselling author of self-help books like Solve For Happy and his latest book, That Little Voice In Your Head.

We begin our conversation by talking about the concept of success and fulfilment and why his money only gave him joy when he gave it away. We also chat about how the sudden and tragic death of his son at the age of 21 set him on a path to make a billion people happier.

This is a wide-ranging, personal and heartfelt conversation. Listening to Mo’s account is incredibly emotional, yet he’s so full of love, truth and gratitude. I’m so grateful to him for sharing so honestly and authentically but I get the idea that Mo knows no other way. This man embodies the idea that happiness is a set of skills and beliefs that we can all practice. And you can choose to practice them, no matter what life puts in your way. When you listen to him speak, it’s hard not to agree.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/510

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.