The Secret To A Happy Life w/ Dr. Robert Waldinger

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Mar 21, 2023

Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, reveals groundbreaking insights on happiness from an 85-year-long study. He highlights how meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose trump wealth and fame in contributing to well-being. Waldinger discusses the trade-offs between success and personal connections, the surprising impact of social media, and the prevalence of regret among the super-successful. Tune in for a masterclass on the essence of a fulfilling life!

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ANECDOTE

Construction Worker Happiness

Ed Mylett observed construction workers, despite lower income, enjoying camaraderie and their craft.
This contrasted with Mylett's own stress, leading him to question happiness metrics.

INSIGHT

Happiness Factors

Wealth, fame, achievement, and religion don't directly equate to happiness.
These factors are distinct from well-being, though having basic needs met is crucial.

INSIGHT

Relationships and Well-being

Warm relationships are key to happiness, health, and longevity.
Prioritizing connections improves well-being and even physical health.

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This is the most REMARKABLE study on HAPPINESS IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD! AN 85-YEAR DETAILED STUDY!

This week's show is easily one of the most fascinating of my lifetime!

I doubt anyone has studied the subject of HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING more than this week’s guest, DR. ROBERT WALDINGER. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the founder and Executive Director of the Lifespan Research Foundation.

But perhaps his most important work is as the current director of the HARVARD STUDY OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT. This groundbreaking project started in 1938 and is the longest-running study of the same people over time ever conducted.

What Dr. Waldinger shares with you this week about the study and the nature of relationships will blow you away.

We start with answers to fundamental questions we’ve all wanted to know for a long time.

🤔HOW DO YOU MEASURE HAPPINESS?

🤔 WHAT MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY?

Wealth, achievement, fame, and religion matter, but not in the ways you might think. Having a PURPOSE, working on that purpose, and enjoying HIGH QUALITY, WARM, AND LOVING RELATIONSHIPS matter more…not only to your mental well-being, but your physical well-being, too.

We also answer the question of the most common REGRET mega-successful people have. You can probably guess what it is, but Dr. Waldinger drives this point home in no uncertain terms.

Our discussion also touches on several other relationship issues, including…

🤯 How SOCIAL MEDIA affects the amount and depth of our relationships
🤯 ALCOHOLISM, DEPRESSION, and DIVORCE
🤯 Why BAD MARRIAGES are worse than breaking up
🤯 The WISER (Watch, Interpret, Select, Engage, Reflect) Model of Reaction
🤯 Cultural trends and the impact of wealth in nations on happiness

One of the most important things you’ll learn are strategies for STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS and how to make them a priority.

We wrap up with an extended exchange about our most INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, how they change over time, and what we can do to keep them STRONG AND HEALTHY.

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