

554: Laurie Santos | Practical Lessons from The Happiness Lab
Aug 31, 2021
Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, discusses how happiness is a skill we can actively cultivate rather than a mere emotional state. She explains the surprising happiness of Olympic bronze medalists compared to silvers and delves into the paradox of lottery wealth, which often brings unhappiness. Santos highlights how our mindset matters, the value of gratitude, and the harmful effects of social media comparisons on self-esteem. Practical strategies for enhancing happiness in everyday life are also shared.
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Happiness: A Learnable Skill
- Happiness isn't entirely predetermined by genes or circumstances.
- Mindset and behavior significantly influence our happiness levels, making it a learnable skill.
Hedonic Adaptation
- Achievements don't guarantee lasting happiness as we return to our baseline.
- This hedonic adaptation applies to both positive and negative experiences.
Negative Visualization
- Practice negative visualization to cultivate gratitude.
- Imagine losing what you have to appreciate it more.