Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

191 — Are You Living a Psychologically Rich Life? Here's How to Find Out with Dr. Shigehiro Oishi

Mar 4, 2025

52:02

Do you crave a richer, more adventurous life? In today's episode, we’re exploring the concept of a “psychologically rich life”—one filled with novel experiences, deeper connections, and a sense of wonder. It turns out that happiness and meaning aren’t the only ingredients for a fulfilling life. Psychological richness can add depth and vibrancy to your everyday routine.

I'm talking to Dr. Shigehiro Oishi, a leading happiness researcher, psychologist, and celebrated author of Life in Three Dimensions. With a career spanning groundbreaking research on human well-being, he’s here to share what it means to live a genuinely adventurous and reflective life—and how to start making minor changes to experience more prosperous, more fulfilling days. Some of the things we discuss are:

What makes a “psychologically rich life” (and why it’s different from happiness or meaning).
Simple ways to add adventure and spontaneous joy to your daily routine.
Why routines and rigid habits might be holding you back.
A powerful mindset shift for navigating failures and setbacks.
How storytelling can transform even ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones.

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